Faith, food and fun

Information is everywhere, available instantly at your fingertips.  Whether one is curious about the doings of ancient Greek civilization or the beginnings of Hinduism; information and knowledge are just a few clicks of a mouse away.  

Yet if one were to learn everything there is to know about Greece, nothing may prepare them for the sight of the Parthenon when it's seen up close with their own eyes.  

On February 16th, students at CF had the opportunity to experience something similar to this.

From 11:30-1:00, the conference room at the Ewers Center was abuzz with students roaming from one corner of the room to the other, experiencing world religions and free pizza first hand in Faithapalooza.

The idea of Faithapalooza is straight-forward. Multiple tables are set up inside the conference room, and each table is devoted to a specific religion. Information in the form of books, brochures, or a video display are set up at the table, and at least one person is present at each table to represent that religion and talk with anyone interested in learning more. 

While most students can attend to gain extra credit for their classes, the event also serves as an experience for anyone looking for a personal faith, as well as a learning experience for those who are already religious.

"I wanted to really get the feel for other people's religion and see where they're coming from" said  Jen Marx, 20, mass communications major.

For many of the organizations represented, Faithapalooza was an opportunity to spread their beliefs and put a human face on their faith.     

"The important thing is being out there and showing the community and this organization is that we're willing to talk to them, and answer their questions." said returning Christian representative Landon Meahl. 

While most tables were geared towards one specific religion, the Interfaith Alliance was an organization contrived of over 70 faith groups, with members ranging from the religious, to agnostics, to entirely non-religious people.

They are an organization which addresses the current issues in religion. This can include understanding of the first amendment to the current phobia of the Islam religion.

"We are no one faith group", said Delphine Herbert, current board member of the Interfaith Alliance. "We function as an organization which seeks to break down the walls of fear, prejudice and hate".

Faithapalooza offers an opportunity for students and representatives alike, giving representatives and students a chance to better understand and respect the personal beliefs of others.

"I thought it was a really interesting opportunity to be able to see other people in their faith and experience it through their perspective" Marx said. "I wanted to get a feel for other people's religion, see where they're coming from, and why they believe what they believe."