TO THE EDITOR:
Is there compulsion in religion?
Your parents most likely raised you to believe in something. Naturally, you might think the influence of your family could be problematic in determining whether your beliefs are really your own. I would like to challenge this point.
I think that as one matures, a sense of independence grows and individuals start themselves on the road to self-realization. As a result of this transition, we begin to explore and discover what resonates in our own heart. In the end the individual is the only person aware of what he or she truly believes, and no other person can change that.
The key to making a choice is that as you grow, you are exposed to new ideas and learning experiences. As this happens, you are inherently given the ability to choose and reason for yourself and to expand out of your comfort zone.
When it comes to something like religion, don’t you think you ought to know all your choices and what they entail before you choose? We generally apply this type of prudence when we look for the right insurance plan for our lives, and we should definitely consider thinking twice about the one that may be insurance for our afterlife.
All of this is not possible unless one takes initiative to learn. For a great opportunity this week to learn something new, join the UNC Muslim Student Association for Islamic Awareness week. They will discuss many topics, have open Q&A sessions and give you the chance to learn something new.
Tatiana Quintana
Senior
Geography
