Students find ways to worship

Don't fear that your religion has to go to the wayside just because you are in college. No matter what your religious denomination, there are more than enough options to be religiously active and become a part of the religious community at Hopkins.

Moreover, with all of the religious denominations represented at Hopkins, there are more than enough opportunities to learn about other faiths.

The Bunting-Meyerhoff Interfaith Center is at the epicenter of Hopkins religious life. It is the main base of campus ministries and a gathering place for over 20 religious organizations including Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Catholic student groups.

The space serves as a religious meeting space and as a place to discuss faith and diversity. On any day of the week you might find Buddhist meditation, Bible study or a guest speaker of religious significance.

So many religions are represented at Hopkins that it is really just a matter of finding the right organizations to fit your needs. The Johns Hopkins chapter of Hillel, centered in the Smokler Center, is the first Hillel building in Maryland. Hillel offers everything from Shabbat dinners to volunteer opportunities to guest speakers.

The Hindu student council aims to create a community for Hindu students and to foster an understanding of the religion for the community at large. The group has Geeta reading sessions, temple trips and discussions, all of which are open to everyone. One of the group's biggest contributions to campus life comes annually during the Diwali Dhamaaka festival, or the "festival of lights."

In years past, the group has transformed the Rec Center, covering its steps with candals, and filling its interior with lights, creating a very special feel for the big event.

There is always lots of Indian food, traditional Indian song, and various dance groups, including JOSH, participate in the extravaganza. And it isn't just an event for Hindu students, as hundreds of students, parents and faculty enjoy this event each year.

The Johns Hopkins Muslim Association is both a religious and cultural organization. October is the month of Ramadan, and the group has numerous events planned. The group also recently co-sponsored a Kosher Chinese Iftar with Hillel in order to foster a dialogue between the two groups.

The Catholic Community at Johns Hopkins, the Catholic student group, also has myriad options for students with a background in Catholicism. The group not only sponsors Bible study and Mass but also has a number of more social options for students to mix and mingle with Catholic students at Hopkins and in the surrounding area.

The group is going on a trip to Gettysburg with Towson University and is working on a series of theology discussion throughout the fall.

If you are more interested in music in relation to religion there has been an explosion of musical groups on campus doing just that. Ketzev is a Jewish a cappella group that sings in Hebrew, Yiddish and English. There is also a Christian a cappella group, Adoremus, and a gospel choir.

One of the benefits of having such a religiously diverse university are the many opportunities to learn about other religions and cultures.

"Open Hands, Open Hearts," which takes place in late February, aims to raise awareness about religious faiths as well as to discuss the issues that are facing religion today.

Events during last year's "Open Hands, Open Hearts" series included a discussion of religion in the media with a writer from the Washington Post and an evening that explored the matrimonial customs of those in various religions.

Whatever your religion or sect, there is most likely a place to explore your faith in this community. It is just a matter of getting involved in a way that makes you feel comfortable.