Alternative
religions: Do they exist at URI?
By Laura Markowski
"Moral
Vales Cited as a Defining Issue of Election"
"President Benefits from Efforts to Build a Coalition of Religious
Voters"
"Two
Nations Under God"
"Religion,
politics, and the good -- or harm -- that many result from the 2004
campaign"
These are only
some of the headlines about religion and its impact in this past presidential
election.
For
centuries religion has been the subject of controversy in the world,
but with a new emphasis on "red" and "blue" states,
religion now is being talked about more and more.
How is the theme of religion affecting us here on the University
of Rhode Island campus? Are
there places for students to practice different types of religions
or are only "mainstream" religions only accessible?
The
Eclectic
Spirituality Association , also known as the ESA, was formed
in the Fall of 1999 and has been embracing alternative religion
and spirituality ever since.
The Student Senate-recognized club focuses on nurturing personal
and spiritual growth on campus.
This
semester the ESA holds weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on
the third floor of the Memorial Union.
The
religious backgrounds of its members vary from Unitarian to Judaism
and Christianity. In
the past such religions as Wicca, Paganism, Hinduism and Islam also
have been represented.
ESA
President Stacie Barry, a junior from North Smithfield, R.I., says
the ESA "provides [her with] a place to hang out with open-minded
people and have a good time" -- something she says is essential
to everyday life on campus.
As
far as alternative religion is concerned, the ESA seems to be the
place for students at URI to come in order to discuss various aspects
of religions. Barry
makes it clear that mainstream religions have a better outlet for
practicing on campus.
"Christianity
is well represented , and there are many churches close by to campus
that cover the more common sects. There are groups for Judaism and, I believe, Islam too. Other religions, on the other hand, might
not have so many opportunities."
Barry also says that although the ESA represents many different
religions within its membership, its goal is more to acknowledge
and embrace these religions rather than actually practice them.
The
question remains whether alternative religion and spirituality play
a big role on campus.
Another
ESA member, Elizabeth Dellabadia, says religion is only as much
a part of a person's life as he or she wants it to be.
Dellabadia says, "Many people are scared of alternative
religion and our club because they think we are all witches and
worship the devil." Actually, Barry says, the ESA does not
represent anything negative. She explains that the main focus of
the ESA is on "spiritual beliefs and ways to live a happy life."
The
ESA has seen its membership decrease in the last couple of years,
but has recently been rejuvenated by its annual recruitment party.
"We were surprised at the large turnout," Barry
says. At the party, announcements for upcoming programs on numerology
and energy fields were made.
Barry
also indicates that the club might look to change its name, saying
that people might be unclear about the group because "eclectic
spirituality" is so general.
However, if there is not a significant increase in membership,
maybe spirituality and alternative religion aren't a main priority
on campus.
Laura Markowski , a 21 year old from Bedminster,
N.J., is a junior at the University of Rhode Island, with a major
in journalism and minor in English. Last summer she interned at
WBZ News Radio in Boston, where she accompanied reporters on assignments,
conducted telephone interviews and edited soundbites. She is in the process of acquiring a television
internship in New York City for this summer. Laura
enjoys photography, running and playing tennis.
