Hilary went to the Catholic Church because she wanted information / The vicar or whatever, took her to one side and gave her confirmation / Saint Theresa‘s calling her, the church up on the hill is looking lovely / But it didn’t interest, the only things she wants to know is / How and why and when and where to go / How and why and when and where to follow

Belle and Sebastian, If You’re Feeling Sinister

I have a playlist titled “Religion” on Apple Music. (Sorry to already disappoint, I am aware that Spotify is better.) I started it just a few months ago as a place to throw those random songs that make you think, “Wow, this song is actually a powerful commentary on faith,” or anything akin to that.

In telling you this, I’ve probably shown you too early how much of a religion nerd I am. I’m sure very few people listen to, say, Vampire Weekend or boygenius and react with a greater appreciation for faith traditions. But I do. I think religious lessons can be found anywhere.

I thought this lyric from If You’re Feeling Sinister was a good way to kick this post off. I think the character of Hilary is a good symbol for the human race at large. I’m no expert, but from my experience, most people want to both be good and be wise. Like Hilary, many turn to religion to obtain the information they seek. Whether we are satisfied or unsatisfied with any given religion, our questions on how to be good and wise remain the same.

How do we go and follow? Why do we go and follow? When do we go and follow? Where do we go and follow?

Answers vary, and opinions on answers vary even more. And that’s why I wanted to write this blog. So, hello, and welcome to Hallow!

My name is Jess, and at the time I’m writing this, I’m twenty-one years old and a sophomore in Brigham Young University’s ANES (Ancient Near Eastern Studies) program, emphasizing in Biblical Hebrew. I am from Utah and grew up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’ve been deeply interested in world religions since middle school, and after I complete my schooling, I hope to become a professor of world religion someday.

As a fellow on BYU’s Interfaith Council, Hallow functions as an educational project for myself and the community. My goal from this project is simple: helping all to learn about other faiths and gain an appreciation for them. I’m definitely not a scholar or expert (yet), so treat my word as my word, rather than scripture. All are welcome here, and I hope that you’ll teach me far more than I teach you.

Thanks for reading, let’s make this holy!

Saint Teresa of Avila

Teresa Sanchez Cepeda Davila y Ahumada. Born at Avila, Old Castile, March 28, 1515. Died at Alba de Torres, October 4, 1582. Left her father’s home in November 1535 to become a nun in the Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation at Avila. Experienced “intellectual visions and locutions” from God. Wrote Life written by herself, Relations, and Interior Castle. Beatified 1614, canonized 1622 by Gregory XV.

Zimmerman, Benedict. “St. Teresa of Avila.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 14. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14515b.htm)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Culturally called the “Mormon Church,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prefers its full title to emphasize its Christian beliefs. Believe that God has called a modern-day prophet to restore the Jesus Christ’s Church, which was corrupted. Teachings include increasing focus on the Savior, caring for the poor, ending personal conflict in lives, and strengthening families.

“Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (www.churchofjesuschrist.org/welcome/restored-church-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng)