On a campus supposedly notorious for its lack of interest in religion, a week devoted to spirituality may seem like an anomaly. However, the events that comprise Spirituality Week reveal a rich and diverse religious and spiritual culture on campus. Starting Monday, a range of events from Bible studies to Buddhist meditations is being offered.
Protestant Chaplain Gary Comstock started Spirituality Week many years ago.
“About 15 years ago, the chaplains working with students came up with the idea and designed the first Spirituality Week,” he said. “It has occurred every year since then.”
Comstock is the head organizer this year, soliciting various activities from the religious community and publicizing them.
According to Comstock, there is more than just one goal for this year’s Spirituality Week.
“[The first goal is] to highlight the diversity of religious and spiritual activities that occur weekly on campus,” Comstock said. “We also hope to invite students to participate in them and also to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to sponsor special events.”
The organizers of Spirituality Week, who include the University chaplains and various student-run religious groups, aim to enlighten the student body about the many religious offerings on campus.
“The goal of this program is to help students grow spiritually, to learn more about their religious tradition, as well as explore others,” said Jewish Chaplain Rabbi David Leipziger.
Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. there will be a Buddhist meditation sponsored by the Dharma Study Group in the meditation room in the Chapel. A Bible study sponsored by the Wesleyan Christian Fellowship will take place 8:30 p.m., also in the Chapel.
According to Comstock, the chaplains and student organizers were careful to include all religious and spiritual groups on campus.
“We try to give all the events equal weight and attention so that some are not presented as more important than others,” Comstock said
Spirituality Week is carefully planned to take place at the beginning of the semester to allow students time to explore their religious and spiritual options.
“We schedule Spirituality Week during the first full week of classes so that students can get a clear view of what’s available and what they may want to attend during the rest of the semester,” Comstock said.
Even if students do not align themselves with any certain religion, they are still encouraged to take account of what is available.
“Students should feel welcome to attend any of the events, whether or not they have an affiliation with the religion or spirituality sponsoring the event,” Comstock said.
Muslim Chaplain Sohaib Nazeer Sultan organized two events about the Islamic faith, one of which was a dinner and conversation that took place last night.
“I hope students gain a sense of the richness of spirituality and religion in the world and how it is at the heart of major world issues and concerns today,” Sultan said.
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