Issue date: 1/20/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Tiffany Tran [Click to enlarge]

In a time when the nation seems to be embracing independence, one religion is practicing unity of all faiths.

In 1950, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States instituted World Religion Day, which is celebrated the third Sunday of January.

"Its purpose is to call attention to the harmony of spiritual principles and the oneness of the world's religions," said Cheryl Power, public information officer for the A&M Baha'i Club. "The day also emphasizes the fact that a world religion is the motivating factor for world unity."

A common misconception is that World Religion Day is solely for those who practice the Baha'i faith. Thomas Tai-Seale, faculty adviser for the club, said the purpose is just the opposite.

"It's not something that we think of as ours, it really belongs to the world," he said. "It is something that we support, but we support a wide variety of world visionaries and projects. There's no particular aspect of World Religion Day that we promote other than simply wanting to value the religious history of humanity."

Practices during the celebration include interfaith dialogues, forums and lectures.

"An integral part of every celebration is undoubtedly that there are people of many different faiths not just present, but participating in these discussions and engaging in interfaith dialogue," Power said.

Natalie Kash, president of the A&M Baha'i Club and sophomore molecular and cell biology major, said World Religion Day is about embracing other religions through discussion.

"The emphasis on this day isn't to argue and concentrate on our differences and to get into a heated debate," she said. "The purpose is to really come and share your beliefs and maybe find some common ground.

"It's really open to all faiths," she said. "The purpose is to really get out of your comfort zone and talk to people of other faiths and talk to them openly and share different ideas. A lot of spiritual teachings and lessons are common throughout most world religions."

Taraz Nick Nosrat, treasurer for the club and sophomore electrical engineering major, said some believe World Religion Day and the Baha'i faith share the same message.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools