The University is known for having a large, diverse student body, but faculty culture is also varied — especially concerning religion.
From Judaism to the worship of Greek gods, University faculty members honor a wide array of religious traditions. And though their beliefs are different, professors agree open-mindedness is of utmost importance.
Madhuri Yadlapati, philosophy and religious studies instructor, grew up practicing Hinduism. She studied Christian philosophy in her doctorate studies because the topic interested her, and a wider variety of classes were offered on the subject.
Like many professors, she stresses the importance of learning about and discussing religion in terms of identity and relating to others.
“I hope as people study it, they learn tools for how to talk about religion,” Yadlapati said. “It’s so central to how people define themselves, it shouldn’t be off-limits.”
But discussion of religion is sometimes avoided because the topic can be controversial.
“Students seem cautious. Often they’re taught not to talk about religion and politics,” Yadlapati said about her classes.
Kent Filbel, communication studies instructor, has a unique perspective on religious beliefs, even forming his own practices.
Filbel defines his religious beliefs as a version of Hellenismos, or modern people who turn back to the religious roots of the ancient Greeks.
But Hellenismos is a modern “restoration” of old practices, and each person differs in how they practice, Filbel said.
Reconstructions of other ancient religions, like German and Roman practices, also exist, Filbel said.
“Unlike, say, Christianity or Judaism, which has had a continuous, unbroken history, considerable parts of the practice and doctrinal beliefs [of Hellenismos] have been lost,” Filbel said.
But while these beliefs are restored, followers do not fully revive the practice and place a modern spin on worship — for example, followers do not practice animal sacrifice, Filbel said.
Filbel grew up practicing Christianity but says it didn’t fulfill his spiritual needs.
“Belief in spiritual realities for one’s own deep psyche is deeply connected to emotions, feelings,” Filbel said. “There is a sense of connecting pieces in whole.”
While Hellenismos is a polytheistic religion, one can choose whatever god has the deepest effect on him or her and acts as “active agents in one’s soul,” Filbel said.
Filbel calls himself a priest for Hermes, the Greek messenger god.
Filbel said his earliest memory of the image of Hermes is from the front of his brother’s scrapbook. He said the image struck him, and he found himself drawn to the ancient god.
The image persists today, as posters of Hermes and a small figure decorate Filbel’s office. A small symbol of the god is also posted on the front door.
Filbel said he sees Hermes in many aspects of life, from personal interactions to TV shows and films.
While he is a follower of Hermes, Filbel said he does not believe in the supernatural.
The number of worldwide Hellenismos followers is small. Filbel estimates there are 20 to 30 followers in Louisiana and only 10,000 to 20,000 worldwide.
Like choice of god, the practice of worshipping varies by person, Filbel said, though he stressed the importance of ritual and symbolism in worship.
“The use of symbols helps embody religion in ways thought [can’t],” Filbel said. “Almost all religions have a form into which meaning may be placed.”
Filbel said he reads liturgy every Wednesday and participates in libations, or pouring small vessels — about the size of a creamer cup — of milk, honey or water.
Filbel said he believes all worship should be in moderation, and one should not be too consumed with one practice.
While worshipping, people can wear simple robes of wool or even dress like the god of their choice, Filbel said.
Filbel also stresses that Hellenismos does not strive to convert people, only to inform.
“Live and let live,” Filbel said. “The goal of this religion is to find what brings ultimate meaning and purpose to your life.”
Filbel said he does not talk about his belief in classes, though he has visited colleagues’ classes as a guest speaker.
Students are usually curious to discuss his beliefs, Filbel said.
“They’re fascinated by the novelty of it,” Filbel said.
Charles Isbell, associate professor of religious studies and a Jewish rabbi, stressed the importance of representing one’s religion at all times.
“All take responsibility for their faith,” Isbell said. “A student’s impression of Judaism may be formed for life on whether I’m an honorable person.”
Isbell grew up in a religiously diverse home to a Jewish mother and Christian father. He studied both religions during his graduate studies but gravitated toward Judaism.
Isbell said religion classes promote respect and insight because of the wide array of students present.
“You can hate a whole group, but it’s harder to hate an individual who you have grown to respect,” Isbell said.
Isbell describes himself as truly agnostic but believes in a core goodness of the universe and its people.
“I evaluate people on actions — caring about the poor, the sick, the disenfranchised or trying to make the world a better place,” Isbell said.
 
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Contact Grace Montgomery at [email protected]