Understanding and Appreciating Religious Diversity During the Holiday Season and Beyond

As each day in December brings us closer to Christmas and Hannukah, religious celebrations for the two of the largest religions in North America, Christianity and Judiasm, many individuals take the opportunity to reflect upon their faith. It also gives Delta Zeta chapter leaders the opportunity to reflect on how religion may impact their work as a leader.   

  

To first begin to understand how religion can affect your role as a Delta Zeta leader, it is important to be aware of some of the world’s major religious beliefs, including non-belief. Below is a brief overview of some of the world’s major religions. This is by no means an exhaustive list or explanation. 

  

• Athiesm – Athiesm is characterized by the absence of belief in a God or other spiritual being. Athiests believe that humans can define their own morality without a God or religious text. Athiesm has a strong tie to several other beliefs including Humanism, Rationalism, and Secularism.
• Buddhism – Buddhism originated from Siddhartha Gautama's journey for Enlightenment and has evolved into a spiritual tradition that emphasizes personal spiritual development. The interconnectivity of all life and necessity for compassion is stressed.
• Christianity – Christianity is the world’s largest religion and includes such faiths as Catholicism, Methodist, Pentacostalism, and Quakerism. Christians believe that there is only one God and that Jesus Christ is the son of God. Christians believe that God sent Jesus to earth to save humanity. The Bible is the central religious book.
• Hinduism – Hinduism is the religion of the majority of the people of India and Nepal. Contrary to most other religions, Hinduism does not have a single common set of teachings nor a single founder. For that reason Hinduism is often thought of as a way of life or combination of religions. Hindus believe in a life cycle governed by Karma.
• Islam – Islam is the second largest religion in the world and its followers are called Muslims. Muslims believe in one God and that God sent several prophets to teach how to live his law including Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and the final prophet, Mohammad. The Arabic word for God is Allah. The Qur’an is the central religious book.
• Judaism – Judaism was founded by Moses and is one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Jews believe in one God with whom they share a covenant. Judaism believes that Jews are God’s chosen people and that in appreciation for all the good that God has done in their lives, they should live at all times as an example of his holiness. The Torah is the central religious book.

Information gathered from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/

How does this impact me as a Delta Zeta leader?

• Chapter calendar – When planning your chapter calendar for the semester, are you considering religious holidays? When planning events, are you considering if the theme is appropriate for your chapter members? If you are partnering with a different fraternity/sorority or other student organization, are you aware of religious holidays which may impact their calendar? While you may not be able to accommodate all chapter members, an awareness of and sensitivity to all religious holidays/seasons is appreciated. Keep in mind that religious holidays occur year round and not just during the winter season.
• Suite/House Management – If your chapter has a suite or chapter structure (house), do you consider the religions of your members in its management? Items to consider dietary restrictions and decorations during the holiday season.

Need more information? Consider one of the following:

• Reach out to the various student organizations on your campus.
• Visit your college/university’s religious life office.
• The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has several resources on different religions available on their website http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/. These include interfaith calendars and overviews of many religions containing history, beliefs, symbols, texts, etc.
• Explore BBC’s television program “Around the World in 80 Faiths,” available on You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=around+the+world+in+80+faiths&aq=f
• Explore how religion is being discussed in the news. Examples include: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/, http://www.npr.org/sections/religion/, http://www.foxnews.com/us/religion/index.html.
• Finally, talk to your sisters and fellow students. While religious belief, or the lack of, may be a difficult subject for some to approach, seeking understanding is always appreciated.