A little mental peace and physical well-being could be only a prayer away.
At least that’s what researchers are saying following a growing number of studies that show a link between religious activity and improved psychological well-being, reduced risk of depression and overall health, according to an article published on SAGE Crossroads online forum in May.
A recent Gallup Poll showed that 77 percent of Americans believe the overall health of the nation depends on the spiritual health of the nation, and 72 percent said they attribute their life’s meaning and purpose to their faith.
Robin Lett, psychologist and associate director of clinical services at Ball State University, said students get involved in religious organizations for both spiritual and social fulfillment.
“For some, it’s the transcendent relationship and spirituality,” Lett said. “It’s also the social aspect and support system they receive in the religious setting.”
The counseling center encourages students to explore their beliefs and decide what works best for them, she said. A variety of religious campus organizations, a few of which are described below, are available.
“Often college students come in, and they’ve been raised in a certain faith, and often times they’re questioning whether it’s their belief,” Lett said.
Catholic Student Union
“Home Away from Home.”
That’s how Sam Mauck, campus minister, describes the Catholic Student Union and the St. Francis of Assisi Church and Newman Center, located at 1200 W. Riverside Ave.
“We are just a warm, welcoming place,” Mauck said. “We’re not just nice to be nice ... The kids here are great because they truly enjoy spending time with other people and connecting with other people.”
The university parish and student union, which work closely together, have get-togethers at 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays called “Time Out,” where students can participate in faith-sharing, educational and social activities. Home-cooked dinners at $3 apiece are served at 6:30 p.m. Fridays at the Newman Center located in front of the parish.
The parish’s mass, which blends contemporary and traditional worship styles, takes place Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The union also participates in weekly Bible studies and strives to participate in a mission trip at its sister parish in Haiti once a year.
About 400 registered students and 50 active students belong to the parish and union, Mauck said.
“This is a place where you are respected for who you are,” he said.
Christian Student Foundation
A series of contemporary issues featuring the Bible, race, marriage and sexual revolution will spark discussion among Ball State students beginning this month at the Campus Christian House, 1411 W. Riverside Ave.
For more analytical minds, compare Jesus with Islam’s Muhammad, Charles Darwin and other influential historical leaders.
No matter the student’s taste, all are in for a real treat at the home of the 39-year-old Christian Student Foundation, Mark Pike, senior campus minister, said.
“It just shows how the teachings of Jesus and the Bible apply to our lives and our culture,” Pike said.
The Christian Student Foundation offers a worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays featuring hymns and contemporary praise songs led by a band, communion each week and prayer. Bible studies are also held each Wednesday at 8 p.m.
After welcoming about 200 students on the Sunday prior to the first week of classes, Pike expects about 100 to 120 students in attendance each week.
“It gives [students] a central focus to their lives,” Pike said. “I think that people who don’t keep God at the center of their lives find their lives out of whack, out of balance ... It keeps them in school another year.”
Episcopal Campus Ministries/Lutheran Center
Family connections and spiritual guidance are readily available for students at The Lutheran Center, 626 N. Martin Ave., said members of the ministry.
“They can gain knowledge of different ways to practice their spirituality, opening themselves up to the different faiths and practices present in the Christian community, which is beneficial to understanding others,” said Sean Diller, along with members Alicia MacMillan and Mandy Nelson.
The Lutheran Center has Bible Study on 5 p.m. Mondays, Worship service at 6 p.m. Thursdays and a monthly cultural dinner and movie night. The center and campus ministry, which united about five years ago, includes about 25 to 30 regular students.
Diller said the ministry’s solid theology and firm set of beliefs are open to growth and spiritual development.“We provide an intimate community where one does not get lost in the shuffle of a big group and one can grow in their spirituality in Christ,” Diller said.
Freethought Alliance
Religious exploration is the focus of Ball State’s Freethought Alliance, which had its charter approved in January and is beginning its first full year at the university.
“I think we’re a very non-judgmental group,” President Doug Burns said. “I feel it’s a place you can come and just speak your mind and not worry about other people.”
The alliance invites speakers from local religious organizations twice a month and holds philosophical debates on several topics, including whether God exists, the religious climate in America and non-mainstream religions. Meetings are held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays on the third floor of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center.
“Everybody is always welcome to our meetings,” Burns said. “We had people come in who are adamantly atheists. We had people who are Christian and who just converted.”
Burns said the alliance’s purpose is not to force people into or out of their beliefs but to encourage personal investigation of their faith.
“It’s very neutral ground,” he said. “Don’t think anyone is going to try to sway anyone one way or another.”
Hillel
The small tight-knit group of students who meet near the Starbucks in the Atrium of the Art and Journalism Building every other week looks forward to yet another year with Temple Beth El, 525 W. Jackson St.
“Due to the size of the Hillel on campus, we are more integrated with the local temple than, say, the Hillel at Indiana University,” Phil Werbel, Ball State Hillel vice president, said.
With Atrium meetings every other Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. (the next one takes place this week) and temple services at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays , the group of about nine embraces both Jewish students and students who simply want to learn more about Judaism and Jewish life on campus. The temple allows students to participate in Shabbat and High Holy Days services, in addition to observing Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
“We really just want to create a Jewish community on campus,” Werbel said. “We want to get people together and see what they want to do.”
Muslim Student Association
Khalid Sajjad remembers going to Ball State’s Learning Center in North Quad recently for assistance on an English paper. When a tutor read his phrase “Peace be upon him,” she assumed that “him,” referring to Muhammad, was supposed to be capitalized because Muslims worshipped Muhammad, he said.
“I was very shocked a little bit because she thought we worship Muhammad,” Sajjad, MSA president and vice president of the Islamic Center of Muncie, said. “These are some of the misconceptions.”
That’s why the association will have its Islamic Awareness Week from Thursday to Sunday. A dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center on Sunday will also feature traditional cultural food and bring students and members of Muncie’s Interfaith group together.
Students interested in joining the 15 to 20 active members of the association are welcome to participate in Friday services from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Islamic Center, 1717 Ball Ave.
“There is not such a thing as too much knowledge, and learning is a process of life,” Sajjad said. “If Islam, as the media presents, is evil, why does it have 1.2 billion followers, and it’s the fastest-growing religion on Earth?”
Society for Earth-based religions
Some religions see very little representation in the modern world, but these religions will receive their fair share of attention in Ball State’s Society for Earth-based religions.
Wicca, Paganism, Gnosticism and Reconstructionist religions are among those that students will discuss and explore this year, Jonathan Titchenal of the society said.
“For people who have little experience with lesser known religions, or religions whose views differ wildly from their own, discussions would give them an opportunity to ask questions and learn about these practices face to face, as well as sharing their own,” Titchenal said.
The society of 10 to 15 students meets at Bracken Library at 8 p.m. Mondays and discusses several issues, such as how spiritual beliefs or concepts affect and are affected by both believers and the modern world.
“Anyone of any faith is welcome, provided they bring an open mind,” Titchenal said.
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