Even though I claim to be Catholic educated, since I received primarily all my theological instruction after attending Lewis University, I still subscribe to the faith I was raised in. I was born and baptized into the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA). As I participate in many of the ministry opportunities available at Lewis University, I am often questioned about my faith background.
“Doesn’t it make you feel awkward attending Mass?” “Don’t you guys (Lutherans) believe in totally different stuff than us (Catholics)?” “Do you ever face ridicule for being a Protestant on a Catholic campus?” The answers to all these real questions I’ve been asked, is a resounding “no.”
When I first came to Lewis, I did have that “me versus them” or “Protestants versus Catholics” mentality. I came in with this naïve viewpoint, because I had never attended a religiously affiliated school before. I thought that everything about this school must radiate a Catholic essence, and I just wouldn’t fit in given my background.
It didn’t take me long to realize I was completely wrong. Lewis University, like most religiously affiliated organizations, follows the Biblical notion to love and accept everyone and, therefore, does not discriminate against those that are different. Hence, I soon discovered that generally, people of faith follow the Golden Rule and “treat others the way they’d like to be treated.” In my case, with a different denomination, it was to not feel like an outcast when I didn’t know how to pray the rosary or really what one was or what saint I was supposed to pray to for guidance.
Most importantly, and most surprisingly, I’ve found that by being in a faith community different than my own, I’ve actually grown more than I believe I would have, by being with people of the same background as myself. Being a Protestant, specifically a Lutheran, in a class full of mostly Catholics, agnostics and mixed denominations, I’ve found that I have to be knowledgeable and able to articulate my religious tradition. I have found that many students and faculty aren’t educated on what exactly being Lutheran means, therefore I feel I have to say, “this is what we believe and why.”
It’s helped me really get in touch with my religious background and realize that yes, I am indeed an ELCA Lutheran, even though I believe that all religious traditions hold value and I am primarily Catholic educated.
In this way, I’ve really seen the power and importance of diversity on our small campus. If everyone was of the same religion, we would not question one anothers beliefs or doctrine. We would accept it as the norm of society; as law. However, when there are differences out there, they provide a wonderful new piece to the puzzle of thought. Suddenly we must ask, why this religion and not that one? Why this belief and not that one?
Even though Lewis labels itself as a Catholic and LaSallian University, I’m glad that it follows the Golden Rule and accepts everyone. Without this acceptance,
diversity wouldn’t happen. Without diversity, curiosity wouldn’t happen. Without curiosity….God help us.
The Lewis Flyer
PDF 
