The Peace and Conflict Studies Center brought a panel together to teach students and the community about how people of different faiths are working together to create a more peaceful world.
The panel focused on breaking common stereotypes and misconceptions about the Middle East, such as the idea that there is violence, hunger and devoutly religious people everywhere. The panel said what they saw was accommodating people and a surprising effort to promote reconciliation and peace.
The four individuals went on a trip throughout the Middle East to build homes for Habitat for Humanity with a group of about 15 students. The panel was made up by the Rev. David Berry, Rabbi Lew Weiss, Imam Mikal Saahir and director of International Interfaith Initiative Charlie Wiles.
The group built homes and delivered medical supplies during their trip, but what they brought back with them was even better, Berry said.
"The main thing we built is a lot of memorable relationships," he said. "We just tried to give a message of hope."
The lecture was held as a discussion with an accompanying slide show Monday in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. More than 35 students attended.
George Wolfe, the center's coordinator of outreach, said he originally planned to bring the group to Ball State right after their trip two years ago, but Ball State's interest in interfaith studies was much higher than at the beginning of this school year.
Wolfe said students of all religions could not only benefit from the panel's knowledge, but also from getting involved with interfaith initiatives.
"Religion tends to be provincial," he said. "We tend to not cross over to other faiths. [We need to] build up an underlaying faith rather than seeing only differences."
The panel worked on what Wolfe said was "peace-building at the grass roots."
The panel said interfaith trips are a way to be expose to new cultures and religions while making a positive difference in a foreign country at the same time.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
