The Religious Life at Ashland isn’t what you might have thought it to be. So often when one hears the word “religion,” sentiments of ceremonious rites, solemn gestures and conservative reflection are evoked. People immediately think of grave, or in juxtaposition, charismatic figures that seem to be on the extreme side of faith.

Ashland is a university that is looking to counteract negative and misunderstood sentiments surrounding religion. The individuals involved in Religious Life at Ashland University, from the president to the students, are making concerted efforts to present faith in its proper light. Both the Religious Life Retreat and the President’s Convocation were perfect examples of the refreshing tone and direction Ashland is establishing for this semester and following.

Fall Retreat

Friday, Sept. 14 students and some staff arrived at Camp Bethany for the annual Religious Life Retreat, a weekend long event that seeks to offer students a cathartic experience as well as a closer look at their faith.

With around 100 people in attendance, the student body was well represented.

Speakers for the weekend were Mallory Miller, Dr. Dan Lawson and Dr. Terry Ward who all presented and contributed to a theme that began where the previous speaker left off; starting with a message of figuring out where everyone was in the developmental process of Christianity, and ending with an emphasis on commission, or sharing one’s faith with others.

Senior Spencer Dolzeal, who attended the Fall Retreat for the first time, said he enjoyed the atmosphere and the tone of the weekend.

“There were a lot of activities, a lot of freedom to choose which area you wanted to participate in, and the speakers were fantastic,” he said.

The activities included a prayer walk, creative worship, “experientials,” a communion station, among others. There was also music provided by students Joe Antus and Joe Griffith adding to the relaxing and self-reflective tone of the retreat.

Religious Life is made up of The Well, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Newman Catholic Ministry. All of these organizations have with a large part of the student body representing them. If you’re curious, passive, or even skeptical about exploring your spiritual side, you owe it to yourself to check out these groups and see for yourself.

Wardrobe & Wonderment

That was the theme for this year’s Presidential Convocation. After a short but amusing introduction from Dr. Dan Lawson, as well as a spirited selection from the choir, President Fred Finks began to expound on what that theme means for him and to our respective university in his annual address on the state of faith and academia at Ashland University.

If you think of the title, “Wardrobe & Wonderment,” and are reminded of C.S. Lewis’ famous story “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” then you’re on the right track. President Finks used the classic story, which focuses on allegories for faith and challenges, as an analogy for the excitement and challenges that face students at AU.

With an emphasis on “the wardrobe” he described an academic environment where some students come seeking an adventure, some seeking a challenge and some who aren’t quite sure of what it is they’re in search of; comparing the university to the wardrobe.

He stressed how important it is for students to “find their way through the wardrobe” by tapping into their imagination, and using it to see their challenges overcome and the world improved.

He also stressed a wish to see well-rounded students who are “complete” in all aspects of life: faith, education, health and productivity.

President Finks’ words were spoken amidst a turbulent climate in the academic world.

With economic pressures and what looks to be a reshaping of higher education in general, President Finks stood firm in saying that he wishes to see students who have a good base of knowledge in different avenues and can pull from each one.

In his remarks on faith, he made a point of saying that faith should be accompanied by knowledge and reason.

“Without knowledge and reason the world remains an unbalanced and dangerous place,” he said.

With a reference to the Salem Witch Trials, he conveyed detestation for ignorance and the impracticality that comes with it.

After his address he took time to answer some questions at which time he shared his own view of faith.

“I don’t view religion as something compartmentalized,” he said. “You can’t separate me from my relationship with Jesus, that’s how I express myself.”

During the address, President Finks also managed to share a peek into his academic history with those in attendance; sharing a story of how a devoted psychology professor, the late Dr. James Richcreek, helped redirect his scholastic journey which began as a history major.

It’s easy to forget sometimes that the faculty at AU have lived and faced the same fears and challenges that some of us may be coming to now in our life.

The President’s Convocation was a refreshing reminder that we’re all carving out a niche in this world, but that in doing so, centering ourselves in our faith is one of the best places to start.