by Rachel Schlegel

First-year students at Hesston College have been on a journey during their first semester of college. It’s more than being in a new place, meeting new people and being on their own for the first time. It’s the kind of journey that challenges students to think both locally and globally, and most recently they’ve been learning about Islam.

Stories relating to Islam regularly make national news headlines. The 206 students enrolled in the First-Year Experience class spend their class time discussing topics relevant in the world today. The class is designed to expose students to issues and perspectives they may not otherwise encounter.

The discussion on Islam was guided through reading the New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin and through guest presentations, including a dialogue with members of the Islamic Society of Wichita.

Faculty member and First Year Experience coordinator Karen Sheriff LeVan said the faculty leading the class chose the book because of the messages it carries.

“Mortenson’s message – to create opportunities for education and respect, rather than violence and indifference – is important for the world,” said LeVan. “It is also a message central to the vision of Hesston College.”

Hesston College and Hesston Mennonite Church hosted an inter-faith dialogue with members of the Islamic Society of Wichita on Nov. 14. Bassam Samarah, Dr. Hussam Farhoud, Michael Barton and Jerri El Sharieh presented basic beliefs of Islam, misconceptions that many Americans have and the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam. Following the dialogue, students, community members and members of the Islamic Society of Wichita continued the discussion over a shared dinner.

Many students have embraced the opportunity to learn what Islam could have to do with a Christian college campus.

“It’s important to acknowledge differences between people, religions and cultures and to know that it’s okay that those differences exist,” said Maria Martin from Harrisonburg, Va.

Michael Darby from Iowa City, Iowa, agrees with Martin.

“We are going to deal with a lot of people who are different from us as we go through life,” he said. “I think people have a fear of differences they don’t understand. The more we communicate, the more we will be able to understand.”

Prior to the visit from the Islamic Society of Wichita, students heard presentations from Hesston College faculty member and international student advisor Dave Osborne and John C. Murray, lead pastor of Hesston Mennonite Church. Osborne focused on the history of Islam, and Murray discussed how to have inter-faith conversations in a respectful way.

“Breaking down walls between religions begins with developing an understanding of other faiths,” said Murray. “To do that, we must resist painting caricatures and speaking in stereotypes about those religions. Encounters with other faiths are not encounters with sacred texts, doctrines, religious practices or institutions, but with people.”

Emily Wagner-Davis from Roseville, Calif., was grateful to be exposed to the realities of the Islamic faith. She wasn’t aware of it until the presentations in class, but Wagner-Davis said she grew up hearing misconstrued stereotypes about Muslims.

“People my age were young when 9/11 happened,” said Wagner-Davis. “A lot of what we heard about Muslims and Islam growing up were misconceptions of violence and hatred of other religions. To have the Islamic Society address some of those things was eye-opening.”

The discussions and presentations have allowed students to learn not only about Islamic faith, but to learn more about their own beliefs as well.

“The most interesting thing for me was to hear their beliefs,” said Katie Miller from Rio Rancho, N.M. “I was able to see how everything fits together for them and understand why Muslims believe what they do. It really made me think about the reasons for what I believe.”

“College is a time to challenge yourself and find understanding in your own beliefs,” added Wagner-Davis. “The class is pushing me to do that by making me think about new ideas.”

While reaffirming their own faith has been an important part in exploring a new religion, many of the students find that grappling with challenges are just as important and applicable.

“I was impressed in the book to see how the Muslims Mortensen interacted with were willing to accept him as part of a family because of the respect he showed them,” said Darby. “As Christians, we need to be more willing to accept a stranger. That’s something we can do even right here on campus.”

Zach Baumgartner from Hesston, Kan., thinks that focusing on the differences might be what creates so much disconnect between Christians and Muslims. The challenge he took away from the experience is to remember that we are all trying to coexist in the same world.

“People get too caught up in the story of differences, but we both believe in peace and helping the poor,” said Baumgartner. “I think the main thing to remember is not how we are different, but how we are working toward the same things.”

Located 30 miles north of Wichita, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA.