James Robles / Staff Photographer / dr122106@ohiou.edu

While many first year students might be worried about new roommates and communal showers, about 200 Ohio University freshmen are facing even more difficult issues — by choice.

These students are part of the Difficult Dialogues program, which was established to cultivate discussions about difficult topics concerning religion. The Ford Foundation contributed $100,000 to implement the program, which has currently been adopted by 43 colleges around the country.

Three new permanent classes were also added this year as part of the initiative, with topics ranging from different religious beliefs to issues of race and sexuality in terms of religion. Students from the top third of the incoming freshman class were invited to be part of the Difficult Dialogues group. Those who accepted attended orientation sessions Friday and Saturday at Walter Hall.

The sessions included seminars and open discussions about religious issues, such as the history of holy wars and religion in a democracy. Plans are also in the works to hold public discussions and panels during the academic year.

Steve Hays is the project director and an associate professor of classics and world religions at OU. He addressed the students gathered Saturday afternoon with a message to take what they learn in the courses and use it outside the classroom.

“You can become a core group that stirs up thoughtful, productive discussion for the whole Athens community,” he said.Students at the opening sessions gave various reasons for becoming involved in this new program.

Greg Silverman, a freshman in the program, decided to join Difficult Dialogues because the topics discussed go beyond literal meanings to “reach a different aspect in your mind.”

Silverman decided to live in Bush Hall on East Green with other program members, which was an option for all students in the group. He said he thinks being involved in Difficult Dialogues will positively impact his first year at OU.

“It just gives you an access into a certain clique and comfort,” he said.

For freshman journalism major Josh Ellerbrock, Difficult Dialogues is an opportunity to share and expand his personal interests and knowledge.

“I’ve always been interested in philosophy and religion, and I thought this would be a good place to exercise what I learned,” he said. A chance to impact the surrounding area and to change closed-mindedness attracted freshman art major Lori Zetlaw to the Difficult Dialogues program.

“I’m hoping that it will open up this generation of students and broaden our thinking,” she said.