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BY ANNA ZALOKOSTAS

In print | Published February 7, 2008

Religion and Spirituality on Campus Week began two years ago when several Swarthmore students involved in religious organizations voiced concern about the student body’s lack of awareness surrounding issues of religious life. “Students wanted to raise awareness that there is a religious life on campus as well as convey the diversity of it,” said Joyce Tompkins, Religious Advisor to the Campus Protestant Community.

This year’s Religion Week includes a lineup of events that promote religious awareness, from a sacred food display in Sharples on Monday, Feb. 4, to numerous lectures covering topics such as “Feminism, Islam and the Postcolonial State,” which took place Tuesday, Feb. 5.

“I felt like it is an important thing to get involved in, raising awareness of Hinduism and religion on campus. Also, I like food. So it seemed like a good idea,” said Ishita Kharode ’08, who was responsible for explaining the sacred food display.

“It’s actually quite comforting … It’s nice to have somewhere where you can practice religion,” said Samuel Garcia ’08, who was at the Ash Wednesday Observance and Eucharistic Liturgy on Wednesday.

Tompkins added that it is important to note that the week extends beyond just religious life — it includes raising awareness of spiritual life as well. “Not all students who are spiritual practice a particular religion,” Tompkins said.

For students who may have missed any of the week’s earlier events, there are still plenty of events to participate in:

Thursday, Feb. 7:

4:30 p.m. – Lecture: “Christianity and Social Justice,” Bond Hall, with Rev. Duane Belgrave, Paul Rauschenbush and Eliot Ratzman.

6:30 p.m. – Swarthmore Progressive Christian Pizza and Parables, Bond Common Worship Room. Theme: What does it mean to be a Christian?

8 p.m. – Baha’i prayer meeting and info session, Bond Hall.

10 p.m. – Swarthmore Christian Fellowship prayer meeting, Cornell 104.

Friday, Feb. 8:

4:30 p.m. – Lecture: “Why Religion Matters” with Bill Cook, SCI 101.

5:30 p.m. – Learners’ Shabbat with Ruach, Bond Common Worship Room.

6 p.m. – Dinner and discussion with Bill Cook, Sharples Room 6.

7 p.m. – Swarthmore Christian Fellowship Large Group, Kohlberg 115.

Saturday, Feb. 9:

7 p.m. – Movie: “Dogma,” SCI 199.

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