Lakeland is affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC) domination. But with students from a variety of religious (or non-religious) backgrounds on campus, many may wonder, how religious is Lakeland?
Take into account that the college campus is full of many students who are still finding themselves. Religion is a serious decision, and one that the average college student may not want to take part in.
The word “religious” means, “relating to or believing in a religion.” But if someone believes, does that make him or her religious or just a believer?
“It’s a matter of perspective,” says Karl Kuhn, associate professor of religion. “We look for ways to freely teach religion at a liberal arts school related to the church. Our primary mission is to educate, but in doing so, we are also helping find ways that lead to exploring and experiencing religion.”
But to what extent does Lakeland help foster religious exploration and expression? For one, it allows its students to have a choice. A student can be a believer, become a believer, or not be a believer at all, and Lakeland will still accept him or her.
“We’re committed to people engaging in the religious understandings of the world, a part of the liberal arts experience,” says Kuhn.
A college campus is a place where trouble can ensue, and—as with every other place in the world—it can have people putting themselves in situations that are not positive.
“We are no different from any other place in the world, but we may be different in the ways we respond to these situations,” says Kuhn.
When questioning the religious aspect of a college like Lakeland, one has to factor in the students.
“The majority of students think spiritually, but don’t participate in religion,” says Campus Chaplain Rob Sizemore. “My job is to help the student along his or her path, and in doing so, helping them find whoever they consider to be God.”
According to Sizemore, Lakeland strives to help students find their paths, whether they are religious or not.
“I am willing to help whoever needs it, and in doing so I feel like I’m not turning my back on my faith, but instead fulfilling it,” said Sizemore.