Even though faith and religion are two topics often avoided in everyday conversation, they ought to be conversed about more often in our society.

These conversations should not be confined to news outlets and should also be discussed in everyday passing.

Butler University students would benefit by talking with friends, classmates, professors or family members about faith, religion and the different views in our society.

For several years, I have described myself as a person of faith instead of a religious person.

I believe in God and Jesus Christ.

However, I choose to practice my faith on a personal, non-institutional level.

This way of approaching religion has several implications and potential impacts across the board.

Discussing matters of faith with close friends becomes more beneficial than having a religious leader dictate how people should lead their lives.

Small group discussions about religion provide more spiritually than listening to sermons or reading religious texts.

In the past week, I sat down with several friends and acquaintances to discuss this very matter and ended up having some of the most deep and meaningful conversations I’ve had in several weeks.

This need for open discussion also stretches to how faith intersects with politics and society at large.

People’s faith often dictates how they view the world and its problems.

In today’s society, world issues including abortion and same-sex marriage are divisive topics in social, political and religious discussion.

These issues bring intense debates and sharp divides into several religions, faiths and groups.

On campus, though, there are many groups and resources that offer the opportunity to discuss these issues openly.

The Center for Faith and Vocation on Butler’s campus has provided opportunities for students to talk about these issues in a public forum.

The Butler Collegian column “CFV forum marks shift in political discussion” covered the center’s “Big Questions: Respecting Differences” event earlier this year.

In this forum, students from all backgrounds came together to discuss abortion and civil discussion in general.

It is open events and opportunities such as these that  students can participate in to take part in these spirituality discussions.

Holding such civil and respectful discussions is a great way for students to grow personally.

Going to these public discussions and forums also helps people understand opposing viewpoints they might otherwise dismiss.

Students should take hold of the opportunities to voice their views and concerns with others of differing opinions.

This way, they speak with students they would not otherwise meet who offer new perspectives which helps them expand their mind and gain knowledge about these topics.

There is enough toxicity in the media and society about heady issues.

Let us strive for safer, deeper conversations about heavy topics moving forward.

No matter one’s religious affiliation, everyone on campus should aim for being more spiritually aware and honest in their speech.