Religious Studies classes experience faith traditions firsthand
The Religious studies classes at Rabun Gap visited a mosque, synagogue, an orthodox church in Greenville, S.C. to gain a first hand experience outside of the classroom.
The Religious studies classes at Rabun Gap visited a mosque, synagogue, an orthodox church in Greenville, S.C. on Thursday, March 22 to gain a first hand experience outside of the classroom.
The day started off with a visit to the Islamic Center and Masjid (mosque) in Greenville, where Mr. Mustapha Busange spoke about the history of Islam and the similarities between their faith and other major religions of the world.
“I learned today that Islam is a peaceful faith and a much different religion than how it is portrayed on television,” said Will Prim ’21.
“I learned today that Islam is a peaceful faith and a much different religion than how it is portrayed on television,” said Will Prim ’21.
The next stop was The Reform Temple of Israel (synagogue), where Rabbi Jeremy Master talked to students about the history of Judaism and their customs and traditions. Students had the unique experience of seeing the centuries-old Torah in the synagogue.
Noah Wright ’21 had an incredible experience at the synagogue. “What stood out to me was their devotion to prayer and faith,” he said.
The last religious institution visited was the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Deacon Charles spoke about the history of their faith and gave the students a tour of the cathedral explaining the works of art and their symbolic meanings. Zoe Owens ’18, was amazed to see the power of the symbols in the Greek Orthodox faith.
The trip ended with a visit to the Interfaith Youth Core at Furman University where two student leaders explained how joining the Core had made a significant positive change on their lives. They stressed the fact that it is beneficial for humans in modern society to learn about all religions so that conflicts can be reduced and more conversations started.
The trip was set up by the head of the Religious Studies Department and Chaplain Dr. Jeff Reynolds. Dr. Reynolds emphasized the importance of experiential learning in the religious studies department and how the annual trip to Greenville helps foster a new understanding of different religions.
“Making a visit that increases our ability to understand, respect and value religious traditions different from our own is a significant learning by itself. Even more significant, however, is the learning we don't see coming. What makes trips like this most meaningful is watching all of us discover and rediscover that the more we recognize value in others, the more we humbly recognize and gratefully embrace, the intrinsic value God places within our lives too. A little experiential learning can go a long way.” Dr. Reynolds said.”
Dr. Reynolds and faculty will take the remaining religious students, mostly seniors, on the same trip April 5.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
