There are other things that go through the minds of students besides studying for a test, getting ready for a date or deciding what to wear to a party. Learning to cast a spell, believing in and studying one God, praying to a series of saints or choosing not to ascribe to any one faith are all beliefs that students experience on an individual basis.
A religiously diverse panel spoke to a packed room of students last week in Ayres Hall.
Kate McCarthy, a religious studies professor at Chico State University, facilitated the panel made up of Chico State students who wanted to share what their religion means to them.
McCarthy said that in California alone, 73 percent of the population believes in some form of Christianity. The panel of six students was an example of how much more there is to California than one belief system.
McCarthy said she chose to have this panel because of the interest in religion on a more personal realm that was generated by classroom discussions. She said some of the topics brought up in the discussions were more appropriate for a forum and panel setting.
Senior John O'Brian represented himself as a Buddhist and explained the reasons behind his belief. O'Brian said he sees the world as perfect.
"Living is blissful," he said. "When I wake up every morning and see the sun shining, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I have a constant feeling of inner giggling."
O'Brian focused on his belief in wisdom, peace and control of mind. He said he practices these beliefs through meditation, which he does often.
Junior Luke Ogden said he recognizes that he can't do everything on his own. He needs God to guide him. Ogden said following a Christian Protestant belief is simple and focused.
Ogden said he follows a belief system based on two things Jesus said: "To love God wholeheartedly and to love others as well." He said he also believes in forgiveness, even when it is difficult.
Ogden said part of being active in his church is going on mission trips to help rebuild churches in Los Angeles and going to Mexico to build houses for low-income families.
"It's so cool to be dirty, hot and sweaty," Ogden said. "It doesn't matter what I look like, it's the way I felt - amazing."
Senior Joan Swenor said she recognizes herself as a more a liberal or feminist Catholic. Swenor said that for her, growing up wasn't always an easy path into her religion. She said it wasn't until high school that she realized what her religion meant to her.
Swenor said that many of her daily problems are answered when she is at church and said the best part about her belief in Catholicism is being in church. She said that being at church helps her keep in touch with nature and feels at peace and tranquil.
Senior Fawn Lafferty was raised a Roman Catholic but said she disagrees with all the rules tied in with Catholicism. After researching a variety of beliefs, Lafferty found an interest in paganism and witchcraft.
She said the greatest joy of witchcraft is being able to act out her rituals and said her beliefs are one step up from a prayer.
Lafferty said there are a lot of prejudices and stereotypes surrounding her religion.
She said she only casts a bad spell when she has to.
Lafferty also said she casts spells and stuffs dolls with medicinal herbs to heal the sick. She said that the spells she casts most often are helpers of nature.
"If it looks like it's going to rain, we help nature by moving the clouds," Lafferty said.
As a witch, Lafferty said she deals with nature, using herbs and aromatherapy as natural healing methods.
Bedour Alshatti said the main focus behind her Muslim belief is that God is merciful. She said Muslims believe God is always merciful to people who have done something wrong.
Alshatti said that Allah is the most common reference for her God, out of the 99 other ways to refer to God.
As a Muslim, Alshatti observes Ramadan, which she said is the most holy of holidays and also the most challenging.
"Every day from sunrise to sunset, we fast and pray," she said. "This is also a time when we are supposed to be 'good' Muslims. This means we are supposed to do good things for everyone and not to expect anything in return."
Alshatti said there are a lot of personal choices involved with being a Muslim there aren't particular rules she feels the need to abide by.
Senior Sarah Moos said that in a town like Chico, it is hard to find a large Jewish community. Moos is an intern at Hillel, a Jewish student organization, and said this is where she feels the most comfortable practicing Judaism.
Moos said that when she was growing up, she was always taught that Jews were the chosen people. She said now she doesn't understand why God would put Jews through the Holocaust or through the situation going on in Israel today.
Moos said that in Judaism, praying can be done anywhere, anytime. She said feeling the presence of God is not only felt in a holy temple or building, but God can be felt anywhere.
Like Swenor, Moos said growing up with a specific religious belief left her curious about her faith as she got older. Although it was hard giving up her Friday nights for Temple in high school, she said she now realizes the importance of her faith.
The forum concluded with a series of questions and answers from the student panel. All students expressed their own personal meanings and beliefs to the crowded room.
Kim Sherman can be reached at ksherman@orion-online.net
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