Religious experts on campus agreed with a recent Pew Research study that reveals religious intolerance increased around the world with minimal changes in the Americas; however, they also recognize instances of intolerance in the U.S.
The study, released Jan. 14, states 74 percent of the global population was victim to social hostilities involving religion in 2012. The percent of countries or territories across the globe experiencing social hostility increased from 29 percent in 2011 to 33 percent in 2012. This means a third of the world’s countries experienced hostility because of religion in 2012.
Bob Stine, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church, and Michael Pasquier, associate professor and section head of religious studies at the University, both elaborated on the research study and how it reflects on the religious standing of the United States and University students.
Stine said America is lucky in having the separation of church and state. Most of the countries with religious hostility have government-enforced religion, making it difficult for people of the opposite religion, Stine said.
Pasquier pointed out that although most of the world is significantly more hostile toward religion in comparison to the Americas, the U.S. still saw increases in religious intolerance. Pasquier said even with the separation of church and state, the U.S. is not immune to religious intolerance. The role of religion in politics and in the public realm has always been strong, he said.
The emergence of the new religion Yeezianity, based around the hip-hop artist Kanye West, is an example of cultural influence, Pasquier said. The religion is an example of religious practices evolving, and Yeezianity is a reflection of its time, he added.

Pasquier also said virtual religions are becoming more prevalent in today’s culture. People express their beliefs through different forms of media, he said.
Though the Pew study collected data on open religious hostility, much of the intolerance in the U.S. happens outside the legislative realm through personal acts within the church or society, Pasquier said.
“This Pew study just reinforces the fact that students at LSU need to understand the effect religion has on many aspects of life,” he said.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Taylor Balkom

Brother Jed preaches to students Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 in Free Speech Plaza.