Life At Duke: Activities & Organizations: Spiritual LifeSpiritual life at Duke has a high level of visibility and diversity, with many different religious and spiritual groups represented in Duke's student organizations. We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with the range of spiritual opportunities available. Duke's clubs are open to everyone, as are events such as the non-denominational Sunday services at Duke Chapel, the Ecumenical Service of Worship in the African-American tradition in the Mary Lou Williams Center and the many events at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life. Although Duke's motto is "Eruditio et Religio" ("Knowledge and Faith)", the university is an independent and non-sectarian institution. It has historical, formal, ongoing, and symbolic ties with Methodism, which date from 1838, when Methodist and Quaker families in Randolph County, N.C. joined forces to form Union Institute, the school that later developed into Duke University. When West Campus was being built, James B. Duke claimed, “I want the central building to be a church, a great towering church which will dominate all of the surrounding buildings, because such an edifice would be bound to have a profound influence on the spiritual life of the young men and women who come here." Although the Chapel remains Duke’s best-known landmark, the university is home to many religious and spiritual groups. Duke Chapel is the heart of religious and spiritual life on campus, regardless of denominations or beliefs. This visual focal point of West Campus, with its 210-foot tower, was built in 1930-35. The Chapel can seat about 1,700 people in its weekly interdenominational services, and the 77 stained-glass windows depict more than 800 figures. The Chapel has three world-class pipe organs and a 50-bell carillon. This beautiful building is a place for worship, fellowship, education, and music. The Freeman Center for Jewish Life strives to create a Jewish community that expresses the full spectrum of Jewish Life and promotes Jewish identity. FCJL maintains a pluralistic approach to Judaism through social, educational, religious, cultural, and outreach activities. The 17,000-square-foot center provides a place to worship, study, eat, and gather. FCJL is a unit of the university's Division of Student Affairs and an affiliate of Hillel: the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. Buddhist Community at Duke is a culturally and religiously diverse organization that provides opportunities for people to learn about and practice Buddhist spirituality and self-cultivation. The group welcomes the entire Duke community and doesn't require a Buddhist affiliation or ongoing commitment. Muslim Student Association is an ethnically diverse organization that works to promote brotherhood and sisterhood among its members, educate the broader campus about Islam, and support members in the fulfillment of their day-to-day responsibilities as practicing Muslims. This includes the five daily prayers and the fasting of Ramadan, as well as maintaining a high moral consciousness in all interactions.  |
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