In Jan Markell’s weekly email update, “Understanding the Times,” she criticized a November 3 Interreligious Symposium at Bethel titled, “Meditation: Buddhist and Christian ‘Is There Common Ground?’” The Interreligious Symposia have been a part of Bethel’s religious studies program for five years. The goal of these symposia has been to help Bethel students become aware of significant world religious traditions, and so participants have included Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists. It is part of Bethel’s “world-changers” value to help students think deeply and care genuinely for people whom Christ loves—even though those people have opinions or beliefs that are contrary to Scripture. Combined with the many ways students are taught, mentored, and encouraged in their Christian faith, these symposia help students who choose to participate become storm-hardy Christians, able to maintain their commitment to faith in the face of opposition.

The following are several documents related to the Interreligious Symposium:

+ Bethel’s Interreligious Symposium: Myths and Facts

+ Just Jay Blog: Education vs. Indoctrination

+ Response Letter from James Lewis, Director of Religious Studies Program