Religious Choices

Religion and Life on Campus

The University is a place which offers an opportunity for each student to enhance one’s own religious base and to be challenged by unfamiliar faith stances.

Choosing to belong to a religious group while attending University can be one of the most far-reaching decisions made by a student. The result may be either positive or negative. This pamphlet is intended to help you make an informed and free choice about such groups.

The University has always existed for the free exchange of ideas and the pursuit of academic excellence. From the earliest times, university disciplines have evolved around religious thought. Given the nature of academic freedom it is not surprising, therefore, that students encounter extreme religious teachings and values in the process.

What to Look For

A positive religious foundation for life which:

• encourages relationships with family and friends outside the group
  
• helps you through life’s inevitable crises
  
• invites open and thoughtful investigation of one’s own beliefs and of those of others
  
• encourages you to take responsibility for being a contributing member of the greater community
  
• offers a reasonable and credible value system upon which to structure your life
  

Wilfrid Laurier has a policy of freedom of speech and association which allows all students to form groups and to meet on campus for any legal activity. Because a group exists on campus DOES NOT imply that the University endorses its belief, activities or operational style.

Characteristics of Groups to Question

• at first appears to be perfect with everyone agreeable and cheerful
  
• claims to have all the answers to all of life’s problems
  
• offers "instant friendship" - the group will not take "no" for an answer, invitations are difficult to refuse without feeling guilty and/or ungrateful
  
• pressures members to recruit new adherents
  
• insists on total obedience to group leaders and discourages questions, or doubts, as signs of weak faith - members who challenge authority may be shunned or rejected
  
• often claim that friends and relatives "are unable to understand or help you" with religious matters
  
• encourages members to put the group first in your life - other interest, including studies, come second
  
• may put down and/or ridicule your past religious, social or political affiliation

Why Can Such Groups Be Harmful?

They May:

• isolate you from family, friends or other groups
  
• ask you to surrender control of your life, thoughts and decisions
  
• foster feelings of guilt and shame
  
• interfere with your studies
  
• use physical violence or moral psychological pressure to induce people to adopt their religious affiliation.

You Are at Risk When You:

• are lonely or hurting
  
• have had a disagreement with your family or someone important to you
  
• have experienced the loss of a relationship are not doing well academically
  
• are under pressure
  
• feel that you are a failure
  
• feel that you have no friends
  
• feel that you are unattractive
  
• are experiencing a "faith crisis"
  
• dislike yourself

Everyone, at times, experiences one or more of the above. These are occasions when we may be vulnerable to controlling influences which can be destructive. With positive guidance, one can work through these feelings and reactions and establish a healthy faith experience.

Where to Get Help?

Chaplains Office

Chaplains can be a listening ear or help you discern whether a groups activities are appropriate or healthy. They can also connect you with healthy faith groups on campus or other resources.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of students office is responsible for overseeing the quality of life outside the classroom. Another good resource for helping you decide whether a groups activities are appropriate, and they can link you to resources to help.

Counselling Services Office

Counselling Services A healthy place to get help with the kinds of issues that may make you susceptible to an unhealthy group, or for help in disengaging from an unhealthy group.

Security

There are guidelines for activities of groups on campus. WLU security is responsible for dealing with groups who’s activities are outside these guidelines. They can also advise you about your legal rights and actions when you are harassed by a harmful group.