For most Ohio University students, afternoons are filled with classes and extracurriculars, leaving little time to grab lunch, much less participate in Bible study. But through a new program, Living the Questions, some students and faculty are finding the time to reconnect with their faith at lunchtime.
Led by United Campus Ministry Spiritual Director Evan Young and the Rev. Steve Domienik, assistant to the rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd, the program is a place where students can discuss Bible readings and make new friends, while taking a break from their hectic schedules.
Young had heard good things about the video-based program from friends, and decided it would be a good fit for OU.
I put that together from a desire that we'd had at OU to do something that was more explicitly Christian in its orientation
Young said.
The program provides discussion questions for the attendants, allowing them to watch a segment, then stop and share their thoughts and opinions. Young said that the program will run seven sessions each quarter, totaling 21 by the end of the year.
It's not the kind of program where you have to attend them all Young said. Each of the sessions tends to be able to stand on its own.
The students and faculty involved in the group are invited to share their thoughts and feelings at the beginning of the hour-long weekly program, and are given readings as homework from week to week.
The best thing about Living the Questions is that it affords students the opportunity to ask any type of question they might have about faith the Bible or religion that maybe they were afraid to ask
Domienik said, adding that it is important for college students to find their own religious identity. If faith is going to be real to people
we have to look at it and make it our own.
Young also said that he thinks programs such as Living the Questions are important for students in a college setting.
I think the best thing is that it invites people into a dynamic relationship with scripture. With a college population
people have a faith tradition that's been kind of handed to them
said Young, who added that students are often concentrated on re-evaluating their faith.
OU Residential Coordinator Matt Peterson is a member of the weekly group. He also said that he likes attending Living the Questions because it facilitates discussion about deeper topics.
I think it provides a safe space to open up dialogue about some really difficult questions pertaining to the search for religious identity
Peterson said. It leaves me with a lot to think about at the end of the session.
gr341107@ohiou.edu
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