Religious Insight

Anonymous After spending several weeks here it is hard to not be inspired by the diversity. Berlin is so full of history, and every new adventure our group goes on brings more insight to other ways of life. The days that have impacted me the most have been those when our group has learned about religious history and prosecution. Over the past few weeks we have explored these issues further, by learning about other religious minorities today and the history of religious suppression in Germany.

Coming here I expected to learn a lot about the Holocaust, what I didn't fully expect was the emotional reaction I would have regarding this sensitive subject. Along with Jewish studies, I have also been very moved by the Islamic studies. Our first week in Berlin we had the opportunity to learn more about the Turkish minority in Berlin and visited an Islamic mosque. Along with this I have been able to talk more with my host family and other students about Islamic beliefs and how this religon is viewed within Germany. All of these learning experiences have gone beyond my expectations.

As a religion minor, I really enjoy learning about other religions. My interest is mostly comparative; so when we visited the mosque I was so inspired by what our group was learning about-- I couldn't help but realize similarities between my own religious beliefs and this new foreign one. Up until this point I knew very little about Islamic ways of life or Muslim traditions. Which is why I was so surprised by different values and beliefs that I saw coincide with religions I am more familiar with. The end focus between these diverse beliefs was virtually the same-- As I believe most are-- they both seek to bring peace, faith, and generosity. I wish that everybody had the opportunity to learn more about faiths that we know so little about. I believe that with an increase of knowledge would come a decrease in prejudice. What I have learned these past few weeks from a religious perspective, whether it be Islamic, Jewish or Christian.. is that we all have misunderstandings.. but overall, between differences there are many similarities.

Overall, this trip has been one of the most insightful experiences I could have asked for. Learning about other religions and living within another culture has helped me to have a more open mind. It is sad and crazy that we are going to be leaving this amazing place in only a few short days-- this has been, without a doubt, the fastest month of my life.

I will write more about my emotional encounter with Jewish studies following our groups visit to Sahsenhausen concentration camp.