People disagree about religion all the time, and sometimes these disagreements get pretty ugly, but if those involved keep an open mind about others perspectives, then talking about religion can be constructive-that’s why the EIU Free Thinkers Association was formed.

Jason Waller, an assistant philosophy professor and adviser for the Free Thinkers, said their purpose is to help students to think carefully about religious questions.

“The hope is to get past the shallow criticism and do some serious philosophical thinking about a complex subject,” Waller said.

Mariam Amr, a junior communication disorders and sciences major, founded the group and currently serves as their president.

“We hope to achieve recognition as a place where people can come hang out who are having second thoughts about their specific religion, religion in general or just want to explore a more secular lifestyle,” Amr said.

Amr said Free Thinkers, whose approval from the office of student life is pending, has between 20 and 30 members on their Facebook group, and between 10 and 15 people regularly show up to the weekly meetings. Amr said the Free Thinkers talk about upcoming charity projects and discuss a number of topics, from views of life after death to what to do if they were to find themselves in a public or family prayer, and they also watch films about religion.

The group is composed of freshmen through seniors and one or two graduate students from various religious backgrounds.

“Most of us I would classify as agnostic, a few of us are strictly atheistic, and then, of course, a few are still open to spirituality, and there are also members have beliefs in a higher power,” Amr said. “Some of us were raised strictly Catholic, Methodist, while others weren’t raised with any religion at all.”

Amr said some of the Free Thinkers have had issues with certain individuals in their personal lives who have been obstinate toward their views. Free Thinkers is the place where members can discuss these issues.

Amr provided an example from her life.

“I had a close friend who more than once told me ‘hell was where I was headed,’ whether or not I believe in the place,” Amr said. “Of course, not all religious people would say such a thing, but it’s a difficult situation. No one should have to hear that, and it’s nice to have a place to talk about it.”

Amr said she was raised in a bi-religious household. Her mother identifies herself as Christian, where her father is Muslim.

Amr said, although she attended her mother’s church, their household was not very religious, and she later found that both of her parents are somewhat agnostic.

“What got me to question my own religion, and religion in general, was that I was close to two people of two different religions, and I didn’t see how they could both be right,” Amr said. “But at the same time, how to know which religion was right?”

Amr said she has come to the realization that she personally does not need a religion to live a satisfying life.

Waller said he was raised in a strongly atheistic family and was a fairly unreflective atheist until his early 20s.

“While finishing my studies at Kent State, I met some people who were friendly, religious, and extremely smart,” Waller said. “They caused me to question the obviousness of atheism-which I admit certainly seemed obvious at the time. I then studied philosophy at Purdue, where I spent a lot of time reading and thinking about the existence of God.”

Waller said he still spends a lot time every day thinking about whether God exists.

“While my views are always in flux and always subject to revision in light of new evidence and reasoning, I can say that now I actually believe that it is more likely than not that God exists-that is, that a necessary being who created the universe intentionally exists,” Waller said.

Waller said he was ultimately persuaded by the cosmic design theory, but that he does not believe the theory provides certainty.

Cosmic design theory asserts that origins of life and the universe have been directed by an intelligent entity.

“These questions are very hard, “Waller said. “Smart, good and well-informed people will disagree about things like this. The key is to keep reading, searching, talking and thinking-while always being respectful of all other people who are seriously searching as well.”

Amr said the Free Thinkers have a few charitable projects planned, including a bake sale to raise money for books on evolution geared toward children.

“We hope to purchase about five or so of these and donate them to libraries who will accept them,” Amr said.

The Free Thinkers meet at 6 p.m. Wednesdays in Room 2731 of Coleman Hall.

“We encourage any individual of any religious belief to join us,” Amr said.

Jason Hardimon can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].