Murfreesboro has long been tagged the “buckle of the Bible belt” by locals and newbies alike. But you may be surprised to find that among the steeples and Wednesday-night Christian church group meetings, there is a whole other realm of religion out there, and, depending on the viewpoint, this diversity might be just the thing that holds us together?or keeps us apart.
Take Remy Thurman, a self-proclaimed paganism-practicing resident of Murfreesboro. He says it might be shocking to some, but Murfreesboro actually has a high population of paganists and even the Pagan Student Organization at MTSU. Even more surprising: the majority of Paganists do not worship nor even believe in the existence of the devil.
So what draws people to such an unconventional religion in a Southern town?
“With paganism, there is one simple rule and that is not to harm yourself, others or the environment,” Thurman said. “Otherwise, you may do as you please.”
If freedom of choice is a factor in straying from the norm, local agnostics find refuge in their own personal exploration. Whether or not there is an afterlife is insignificant in an agnostic’s pursuit of happiness in their current life.
“As an agnostic, a lot of people think that you don’t have faith in anything,” Murfreesboro resident Matthew Bailey said. “There are plenty of things in this world that I put my faith in. I primarily put my faith in people. I believe that a large majority of the people on this planet are decent and kind people who want the same basic things.”
MTSU student and atheist, Rachel Copeland agrees.
“Religion makes people so intent on the afterlife that they forget to enjoy the present,” Copeland said.
Her choice to become atheist developed after she realized that she did not agree with everything written in the Bible. As an anthropology major, she said she has found a lot of people in her major that are open-minded about different religious choices.
“Murfreesboro is a very liberal place, especially for a town in the South,” Copeland said.
For Ramona Adams, owner of the local Stonekeepers store, faith encompasses many things and she says that she does not fall under any particular category.
“I pray with several different groups in Murfreesboro,” Adams said.
She finds Murfreesboro to be a pleasantly diverse community with something for everyone. That is some serious praise for a town that some consider overly stuck in its ways.
But Muslim resident, Abubeker Beru doesn’t find it very strange. He says that we live in a town where people are open to learning, and he is as well.
“We have a lot of people coming on Friday nights to hear our teaching,” Beru said. “They have a lot to do with community.” He adds that, “Our meetings are open for everyone to attend.”
Dr. Saleh M. Sbenaty, MTSU Professor in the Engineering Technology Department and advisor to the Muslim Student Organization agrees.
“Muslims are, in general, well received and accepted in the Murfreesboro community,” Dr. Sbenaty said. “After the tragic events of Sept. 11, however, all Muslim communities including the one in Murfreesboro felt a strained relationship with the general public. Enhanced communication and education are the key to foster understanding and acceptance amongst all communities.”
With the need for community in times of war and change, what keeps people coming to church or searching for spiritual answers in a place like Murfreesboro? Moreover, how does a town with traditional values and beliefs find harmony between a mix of old and young alike, as well as a new cropping of religious explorers? For Father James Kallarackan, the answer is simple.
“Jesus is the unifying factor,” Father Kallarackan said. “There is a longing for God.”
Kallarackan says his church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, is known for making Southern people feel at home and stresses that it is open to everyone.
Not only do Murfreesboro residents crave their own religious choices, but they also love being social. Perhaps that is why so many people identify themselves with some sort of religious group or denomination.
“We all need to believe in something,” Bailey said. “However, I wish that the Christian beliefs would follow through with what it preaches: love everyone the same, do not judge lest ye be judged, and ultimately do right by everyone you come across. Regardless of religion, these principles are useful and just to all of mankind.”
