This post was written by freshman Lyndsey Wajert, a Hatchet columnist.
In a recent class, a science professor brought up the topic of religion, not to juxtapose science and religion, (as so often occurs), but to speculate if asking a person about their religious beliefs was inappropriate or “incorrect.” I too have noticed that in American society, the desire to be considered a politically correct citizen or an equal opportunity employer prevents some people, even GW students, from even merely mentioning religion. I was reminded at first of the sage quote from the Peanuts cartoon in which Linus states “There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.”
Is the topic of religion truly taboo, or can the diversity of the GW community allow for an open exchange of dialogue about its varied beliefs? After all, a 2008 Gallup poll found that 54 percent of Americans said religion is “very important” in their lives. Is there never a time or way to ask about something that is so clearly relevant to so many people?
Sure, the topic of religion may not belong in the workplace. But on a college campus, where an assorted group of students are brought together in order to learn not just about calculus or literature, but also about the cultures and lives of their peers, faith should not be completely ignored.
During the Revolutionary War, George Washington ordered then pre-notorious Colonel Benedict Arnold to invade Quebec. His words were “as far as lies in your power, you are to protect and support the free exercise of the religion of the country, and the undisturbed enjoyment of the rights of conscience in religious matters…” Therefore, is it not fitting that his is the name of such a tolerant University where people can both practice and discuss their beliefs?
Maybe it is this tolerance or freedom that enables us to talk about this seemingly inviolable topic. After all, if we are not prevented by government law from having a conversation about religion, politics or even the Great Pumpkin, then we should not be prevented by the “politically correct” societal norms that avert our learning about the world or our peers.
