I saw this ‘Ask an Atheist’ discussion panel poster while walking through St. Olaf’s Buntrock Commons a couple weeks ago, so I went. It was sponsored by a student organization named SANRA – St. Olaf Agnostics, Non-Religious, and Atheists, which:
aims to represent the non-religious students on campus. As an organization at a Lutheran college, it is important to provide the opportunity for secular students to engage in open-minded conversation and form relationships with students of similar belief systems. SANRA will create dialogue about secular thought, help grow a strong and visible non-religious community, and develop a safe and accepting environment for secular students on campus. Members of SANRA will spread awareness about non-religion, serve the wider community, and work to dispel myths about non-religious stereotypes.
The quality of the discussion was impressive, both the questions from the 30+ students in the audience and the answers from/conversation among the 7 student panelists. Props to SANRA and St. Olaf.
Very interested in the article on atheists and other, as you called them, secular students at St. Olaf. I am trying to establish a similar type of group here at the Northfield Retirement Center. Thank you for this report, which I found very valuable.
Beth, this is great to hear. Let us know how we can help.