15th Street News - November 2025

A Fight Across Indian Country: The MMIP Movement

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“We are the voices for those who cannot speak, and for those who are lost,” is the slogan on the Central OKC Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples chapter website, a branch of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples movement.

attending and setting up booths at community and tribal events.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples movement, also known as MMIP, is a movement that advocates for missing and murdered indigenous individuals to be found. There are over 13 MMIP chapters across Oklahoma, with most being grassroots organizations.

MMIP chapters have many ways to raise awareness about their cause. Some of the ways the MMIP chapters raise awareness include being active on social media and

Volleyball

“We do parades, powwows as much as we can, as well as Gord dances, awareness walks once a year,” said Christa McCullen, president of the MMIP Central Oklahoma Chapter. “Community events are one of our biggest things, we try to find as many community events as we can.”

Often, MMIP chapters work on a volunteer basis, with some chapter members having other jobs

See MMIP, Page 3

Fighting with Mental Health

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Many people struggle with mental health issues. Mental health struggles are common, with many dealing with the challenges of depression and anxiety, which can affect themselves or their peers.

While the experiences vary, so do the way people express those challenges— whether it’s through isolation or possibly lashing out at others.

Regardless of demographics or wellbeing, those trials creep onto everyone at some point.

Even if you are struggling, if you see someone else struggling, the worst thing you can do is be closed off to others. Share your burden; be the person to offer resources, if possible. It can also be helpful to sit next to them and have a heartfelt conversation or have a genuine interaction with them, because there’s nothing to lose. Connecting with others and seeking professional services is how you pull each other out of the rubble.

Rose State offers numerous resources to Raiders. These include: on-campus counseling, TimelyCare online and the Campus Resource Center, which offers free food, toiletries and clothing.

Sara Etzkora, Rose State respiratory therapy major, said her professor was unwilling to change her lab time despite her mother being sick. However, this is not the case with all faculty and staff. Communicating with professors is something students are always encouraged to do as it can help faculty members understand absences or missing assignments.

“I thought college would be all freedom and friends, but instead I’m drowning in assignments, barely sleeping and wondering if anyone else feels this empty,” said Christian Bly, Rose State computer engineering major.

The reality is there are going to be challenges when pushing toward a goal, whether it’s through college or working hard to get a new promotion at a job. Support groups can help. This can be someone you relate to or someone you can simply vent your issues to without any worries. People who can help you with homework outside of class if needed and friends who can reel you in when you feel too antsy about moving up in your job. Overall, mental health can differ for everyone. Everyone struggles, but there are absolutely levels to it. It would be dishonest to say everyone's struggles

are the same. In this day in age, we need to help each other out more than ever, being alone is the worst thing you can do to yourself and others. Lean on one another. There is nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

If you or someone you know is struggling, Rose State Counseling Services can be contacted at 405733-7373. On the SSO login, you can directly tap into TimelyCare. You can download the app and login with your student email. If it is an emergency, call or text 988 to be connected with a mental health professional.

This publication is printed by the Edmond Sun, issued by RSC and authorized by the Advisor of Student Publications.

RSC in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.

Staff Members

Editor-in-Chief & Graphic Design

Michelle Johnson

Assistant Editor

Shannon Little

Photography

Editor

Pennina Jackson

News Editor

Madilyn Drywater

Assignment

Editor

Kalen Sirls

Online Editor

Xander Strickland

Cartoonists

Shannon Little

Reporters

Spring Byington

Quentin Couch

Amour Ivy

Kelcie Petty

Bailee Whorton

Digital Content & Engagement

Editors

Aleisha Brown

Ilias Bertrand

Student Publications Adviser

Darcy Delaney-Nelson

LOCAL NEWS

Over-crowding in Dog Shelters Versus the Community: What can We Do? Nature as the Classroom

Aleisha Brown

Digital Content & Engagement Editor

This year, like many in the past, has seen its fair share of dogs overcrowding on the streets. This time, it's our furry friends that are struggling. Oklahoma animal shelters have been dealing with the pressure of the overpopulated amount of dogs in the state. From people getting evicted and having nowhere to house their pet, to many just straight up releasing them outside to the world. It looks like an overwhelming issue from the outside. Fortunately, there are still many entities out there trying to fight it. And there are ways you can take action too.

Mateao Gamel, a dog owner in Oklahoma City, recently started homing an abandoned dog, something that is proving to be a bigger challenge to tackle than he previously believed.

“The dog is actually my old roommate’s, and I knew he didn’t want the dog, but I never thought he would abandon it at nighttime in my complex,” Gamel said.

According to a report

alongside being a part of an MMIP chapter. Besides raising awareness about MMIP, the chapters also work to target the causes of these crimes in tribal communities, such as domestic violence, drug

in April 2025 from the Shelter Animals Count, Oklahoma’s average dog intake per month is around 287, with higher possibilities in the metro because of the crisis.

To reiterate, this isn’t the first time Oklahoma has dealt with this. Trenton Holt, an Animal Welfare Officer with the Midwest City Animal Shelter, has been with them for three and a half years. He said even though they're a fairly new shelter, this issue has even made its way there.

“I’ve been here at this shelter for a while, and we unfortunately deal with the overcrowding issue a lot,” Holt said.

Although this crisis seems to be a daunting problem, there are still ways to combat it.

“Dogloverdigest.com is a really good resource for dog owners to use,” Holt said. “I didn’t even know about it until just here recently.”

If you visit the website dogloversdigest.com, it has separate lists by state for local shelters, adoption centers and sanctuaries.

Even with so many resources out there, what remains is the inevitable problem of moving the old out with the new.

Jenn Ray, a former Animal Welfare Officer and Shelter Manager at the Newcastle Animal Shelter, shared her experiences with having to resort to euthanasia, a process where a dog is humanely put to sleep.

“Euthanasia is typically a pretty consistent part of the reality. There are slower times when maybe it's only a couple times a week, or even occasionally none, but no city shelter has the space to house every animal they bring in,” Ray said.

Even though most shelters hope to avoid it, it's inevitably what the shelter's capacity comes to.

“Euthanasia doesn’t make up for influx; it's simply the only means to continue to bring new animals in. The math will never be in favor of keeping all the animals; the shelters are overwhelmed with the amount of animals that come in,” she said.

The number of dogs versus the amount of homes for them is a daunting figure, but not daunting enough that it stops or should stop the effort of dog lovers in Oklahoma.

Pennina Jackson Photography Editor

During Environmental Science Professor, Daniel Ratcliff's water resources course, students stand at the edge of a riverbank and read the water instead of just observing it. For them, the outdoors has become an active classroom where science, stewardship and real-world skills meet.

“My experience with what I've learned so far is how to want to protect the earth and water resources," said Alice Morris, a student of Radcliff's. “I now know how to approach a river, observe it and determine the source and destination of the water.”

Beginning with watershed delineation and flow calculations in the classroom and progressing to on-site environmental study, Ratcliff's curriculum balances practical training with intensive fieldwork. Students claim that it is obvious how lakes and streams differ from one another.

“Hands-on learning is a better experience than just PowerPoint,” Ratcliff said.

The class has already spent time in the field, notably on Aug. 26 when they visited Lake Stanley Draper, where they practiced analyzing watershed characteristics and observed water movement.

Now, Ratcliff arranges logistics and licenses to facilitate these field trips, guaranteeing that the students can carry out scientific investigations in an ethical manner. For the Nov. 4 adventure, a collection permit with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation was obtained for a class electrofishing demonstration. A recent trip to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to collect fish and invertebrate samples also received further approval from the National Park Service.

All of the specimens were put back into the water by the class, preserving the natural habitat.

According to Ratcliff, these fieldtrips are crucial for facilitating classroom ideas into practical environmental knowledge.

“Seeing a diagram in class is one thing,” Ratcliff said. “To approach a river and read its message is another matter entirely.”

Students claim that their understanding of water systems has evolved as a result of these encounters.

Being immersed in the environment helps them connect classroom concepts to real-world processes, observing how water shapes landscapes and sustains life. These handson experiences encourage a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of

natural systems.

“I've learned to really look at the water and think about where it's coming from and where it's going,” said Ratcliff's student David J. Eaton. “You realize why it's important to protect it once you see that.”

These fieldwork opportunities are more than just assignments for Ratcliff and his students; they are stepping stones to actual environmental action. With muddy boots, keen observation and increasing self-assurance, students are becoming ready to contribute to water conservation in the future. The statistics and PowerPoint presentations in the classroom now make more sense because the students can connect what they learn to what they have experienced firsthand. Seeing the streams, testing the water and observing the wildlife turns abstract concepts into something real. Each trip strengthens their understanding and builds a sense of responsibility for the environment. What once felt like just another school subject is now a cause they care about.

and substance abuse and bullying. In some cases, MMIP chapters will work along a tribe’s social services or healthcare program. By working with various tribes, MMIP chapters are able to expand their message and help tribal families who are victims of MMIP. One

example of this within the Cheyenne and Arapaho MMIP chapter was the formation of Ida’s Law.

tribal member; she was also my cousin. So, we helped initiate and pass Ida’s law.”

According to the OSBI, there are over 90 Native Americans still missing. Although efforts are being made to address these issues concerning native people, Oklahoma still ranks high on the number of unsolved missing murder indigenous cases per state. MMIP, from Page 1

“Our Chapter worked on Ida’s law,” stated chairwoman for the Cheyenne and Arapaho MMIP Chapter LaRenda Morgan. “Ida Beard was a Cheyenne and Arapaho

Ida’s Law was passed on April 20, 2021, and aims to create offices that work directly with tribal police and the OSBI. In November 2021, The first Office of Liaison was

established in Oklahoma, which works directly with tribal, local and state authorities to help with missing murder indigenous cases. The office also helps families who are victims of MMIP as well.

Across Oklahoma, there are a total of 86 missing indigenous people cases.

The 10th Anniversary of The Village

Rose State College recently marked the 10th anniversary of The Village, the on-campus housing complex that transformed student life when it opened in 2015.

Over the past decade, the complex has housed thousands of students from across Oklahoma and beyond, offering modern amenities, study spaces and close access to campus resources. College officials say the addition of student housing shifted Rose State from a commuter school, to a connected residential community.

The celebration event featured alumni reflections and recognition of the students, faculty and staff who helped shape a decade of campus living.

ENTERTAINMENT

'The Life of a Showgirl' Review

Kelcie Petty Reporter

Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album “The Life of a Showgirl” was released on Oct. 3. In this album she discusses her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce, her dynamic with fame and past, as well as current friendships. This album is a cohesive work and features Swift’s talents. However, it does have its weak spots mostly in the lyricism. Despite this, the music and Swift’s voice keep the album interesting. Each song fits into an overarching narrative. They all connect to the idea of a showgirl, especially a metaphorical one like Taylor Swift. While some tracks may require deeper introspection into how it fits into the theme of her album, others like the title track are quite easy to fit in.

Narratively, the album is reminiscent of Swift’s earlier and more diaristic works like “Taylor Swift” or “Fearless.” It shows clear connections to her personal life. The song “Ruin the Friendship” even mentions her longtime friend from high

existence.

Some may continue to pursue their career. Others may try married life even when it does not work out, like famed actress and one of the muses for this album, Elizabeth Taylor. Finally, some may slow down their trajectory, aiming for kids, marriage and a family. The nice thing about “The Life of a Showgirl,” especially the track “Wi$hli$t,” is that Swift states that these are all valuable pursuits.

While Swift seems to be set on the marriage and family route, she encourages people to go after what they themselves want, stating “They deserve what they want. Hope they get what they want.”

Musically, there is inspiration taken from the album’s concept as well. Particularly, the songs “The Life of a Showgirl,” “Wood” and “Father Figure.” These three songs combine the campy nature expected from a showgirl themed album and the pop expected from Taylor Swift.

The album has its weak moments lyrically. I found “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Wi$hli$t” to be lacking.

production quality and vocals that carry them.

The songs that stand out in this album are “Father Figure” and “Actually Romantic.”

“Father Figure,” details the difficult dynamic Swift had with an authority figure, only to leave and be the powerful figure herself. She asserts her power over them with a risqué metaphor. The song is commanding both lyrically and musically.

Seeing Swift be upfront about the influence she has, especially after she was able to purchase back her masters, is an important message. Seeing the struggle Swift had purchasing her masters makes this all the more important, especially for artists who are in a similar fight to own their work.

“Actually Romantic” discusses another person in the music industry, rumored to be musician Charli xcx, obsession with Swift. She equates the obsession the subject has with romantic feelings towards Swift. She playfully states “No man has ever loved me like you,” showing a sense of honor and humor to

a common occurrence. Especially in the social media age, the need to turn hatred into an obsession. The ease that comes with looking someone’s whole life up online, famous or not, has people turning their jealousy, obsessiveness or dislike of people into “stan behavior.” Stan culture is an intensive form of fan behavior, observed mostly online. It can be extreme support and passion for an idol, but it can also lead to an unhealthy obsession. The opposite is true as well, an intense dislike of a person that becomes allconsuming can be seen in fan spaces. While Swift may have been talking about Charli xcx in this song, I think she also hits at the obsession that people have toward her, her friends and even with each other. While it is catchy, I think the song holds a mirror up to current “stan” culture as well.

Overall, “The Life of a Showgirl” is a notable addition to Swift’s discography.

While it is not her best album, it is clear she put a lot of thought into this album. Vocally, it is one of her best. The production

Is Disney's ‘Tron: Ares’ a Good Reboot or a Letdown Sequel

Michelle Johnson Editor-in-Chief

On April 5, fans were in for a surprise as Disney dropped the first trailer for “Tron: Ares.” After 15 years, this franchise is being revived, and many wonder if this will flop or be a huge success. The movie released in theaters on Oct. 10.

Going into this movie I had high hopes and low expectations. I am a newer fan of the Tron franchise thanks to my Dad being a fan and Daft Punk's music. I was surprised this franchise is being revived considering

it was dead in the water after “Tron: Legacy.” That movie did not have the success it needed when it came out, and later on Disney acquired Star Wars. After that, any plans they had were canceled with the franchise. It is exciting to see that this world is getting revived again. It has so much potential as a sci-fi fantasy world that tackles computers and AI.

I was nervous however, I don't trust Disney's current direction when it comes to creating media. Also, I didn’t know if Jared Leto would do the movie justice. He has not had a good record in recent movies. People often say he has ruined franchises like “Morbius” or “Suicide

Squad.” The allegations surrounding him because of his method acting would also turn people away.

I looked forward to the music and the visuals. If there is anything this franchise cannot disappoint me with, it is these. “Tron” had pushed the use of CGI in film. “Tron: Legacy” was known for its beautiful scenes and legendary soundtrack. And now, the trailers for Ares look and sound great.

Fans were also divided over this movie. Looking through forums, people are torn between not supporting Leto and supporting Tron. Many have stated that they will not watch the movie in theaters. Others are saying that fans should support the franchise since it's coming back after a long drought of content.

I went into this movie in hopes that this franchise will succeed and do well. However, I did not have my expectations set too high given the conditions this movie is set in.

After seeing the movie, I have mixed feelings about “Tron: Ares.” To compare it with the other two movies, it is like getting a software update. Windows 7 is memorable, but Windows 10 was the GOAT. Now we have Windows 11, which is fine, but we had 10.

I really had a blast watching it. The action was gripping from beginning to end. The visuals and soundtrack lived up to the

standard of the last movie. They even improved the action in the fight scenes.

One major issue with this movie, which this franchise can't seem to conquer, is the weak characterization and basic plot. I would even say Legacy had a better story. There were some great ideas put into the story but they were never properly explored. It felt like Disney was trying to play it safe since this franchise has had a hard time with success.

The other problem was the loose ends left from “Tron: Legacy.” Since this was not a direct sequel, the main characters from Legacy were excluded. They did set up an avenue for them to potentially come back in the future however. The changes make this movie feel like a reboot as opposed to a sequel. I won't delve into spoilers, but that combined with the basic plot hurts the movie for me, and the fans hoping for a direct sequel.

Despite major negative aspects this movie has, it was still worth watching. I would definitely go see this in IMAX again.

Leto’s acting was fine in Ares, but his reputation definitely impacts whether general audiences want to see the movie or not.

Critics so far have given the movie a low rating, but general audiences have enjoyed the movie. Things are looking very mixed. However, I do not wish to dissuade anyone interested in this movie. If you are a

Nine Inch Nails Goes Daft Punk

Xander Strickland Online Editor

Humanity got to experience Nine Inch Nails’ “Tron: Ares” soundtrack for the first time on Sept. 19. While the band’s album dropped three full weeks before the film released in theaters, some may argue it did better than the film itself.

With driving synths, compelling basslines and a whimsical quality that transcends the bounds of most modern science fiction stories, this album holds a treasure for fans of “Tron: Legacy” and the original “Tron.”

The album comes to its breaking point is in the

lyrics. Trent Reznor has a professional voice, yet the orchestral versions of the tracks carry just as much meaning as the originals –if not more.

The album receives a five out of five from me. The last song, “Shadow Over Me,” carries the album. “Forked Reality” is a cinematic, imposing track that echoes the “Terminator: Salvation” trailer track from 2009.

“Target Identified” takes the trophy for all-out most inspired song on the album, but “A Question of Trust” leaves a gold standard Nine Inch Nails thumbprint on the art. That track is essentially their version of “Derezzed,” the Daft Punk song featured in the club during Legacy.

“Init” initializes the album, giving audiences a solid impression of what Nine Inch Nails has in store for the Tron soundscape.

“As Alive As You Need Me To Be” is the energetic action film track we hear in the trailer, and feels the most like their flagship adaptation of a Daft Punk score.

The Nine Inch Nails sound is one defined in equal parts action and dark, contemplative, often moody and forlorn elements.

Where Legacy has its “Nocturne” – a slow, sad instrumental piece that still feels “Daft Punk” in a way, but with more cinemafriendly

Tron fan or a fan of action I recommend you watch this movie. Just make sure you have a good sound system when you do. The Nine Inch Nails soundtrack does not miss, and it is a fun time.

The question remains whether Ares will revive this franchise, or will it be another 20 years before it gets revisited? And whether or not there should

be a Tron revival. Whatever Disney decides, this movie was not a bad entry into the universe of Tron. It’s only a shame it was unable to break free of its storytelling issues. End of line.

orchestral elements – Ares sits down and bows its head to tracks like “Echoes,” “100% Expendable” and “Still Remains.” Nine Inch Nails reminds us that for every energetic radio hit like “Head Like A Hole,” there will be albums like “Still” – “Echoes” feels like an amalgamation of the atmospheric misery in “Leaving Hope” set to the downtrodden beat that takes us through “The Persistence of Loss.”

“This Changes Everything” brings us dialup darksynth that’s moody but upbeat as Nine Inch Nails demos their more atmospheric additions to the grid. “In The Image Of” shocked me with how closely it matched the iconic

intro of “Stranger Things.”

While “Stranger Things” made synthwave popular, “Tron: Legacy” made it sound good.

“Who Wants To Live Forever” and “No Going Back” both belong to a class of songs that I can only describe as ‘digital mobile.’ In other words, the synthetic lullaby. The retro arcade notes are Trent Reznor trying to place a baby carousel over a generation of new Tron fans in the same way that Wendy Carlos did for our Xennial parents in 1982.

Nine Inch Nails’ continued interest in the Tron franchise may result in more films. However, time will tell whether “Tron: Ares” can generate enough

interaction for Disney to follow through with another movie that actually revisits the story of “Tron: Legacy.” Nine Inch Nails has done all they can to carry the film’s story and empower its visuals with a banger soundtrack. Their end credits song “Shadow Over Me” is victorious, having range outside the theater: out onto the highway where dark glossy finishes and red neon taillights abound, keeping the film’s visual style fresh. The only thing that can restore the “Tron: Legacy” save file is a digital duo whose fingers still echo with Daft Punk’s influence, having officially remixed the iconic track “Derezzed” to great effect and with Daft Punk’s approval. We need Glitch Mob’s biodigital jazz, man.

Is Universalism Really the Most Tolerant Way to Deal with Multiple Religions?

Shannon Little Assistant Editor

What is universalism?

“A theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved.”

Merriam-Webster. This also partially mirrors the term pluralism, “A theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality.” MerriamWebster. All religions are somewhat obscured in universalism, and they are all worshiping or following the same divine entity. While pluralism supposes the idea of different heavens and divine entities existing simultaneously. I believe that exclusivism is more rational and tolerant than universalism or pluralism. I have bias, being a Christian myself, but the bias would still apply if the author were instead agnostic and didn’t believe in a specific religion, or if the author were from a different religion. You really can’t talk about this and not have a bias; I would say you would even need one to talk about it. Exclusivism is “The practice of excluding or of being exclusive.”

Merriam-Webster. I am not going to argue that my religion is better than any other. However, I am going to argue that most religions are inherently incompatible with each other, and it is illogical.

Exclusivism can be looked at as arrogant and self-righteous, declaring my ideas are better than yours. There are many people like that, especially in the religious sector. The same can be said about universalism. Some universalists condemn others for not accepting their more open view. A universalist way of looking at it is still exclusive because they hold all of them correct, excluding the idea of only one being correct. No matter how you look at it, people are going to hold some ideas and ideologies higher than others. And that’s okay, you can very much be exclusive to your religion while respecting others. Are you really respecting all religions if you say it doesn’t matter, and they

all go to heaven? Do you really believe in what you say you follow if you think all people or all religions are going to heaven anyway? Is it all just meaningless?

Most religions are built on faith, but that faith is not blindly given out. People are logical and follow what they deem reasonable. Three logical arguments are crucial to understand why the major religions are incompatible. 1.) The Law of Non-Contradiction. A thing can’t be A while also not being A. 2.) The Law of Identity. A is A. 3.) The Law of Excluded Middle. A thing must be either true or false. It can’t be both true and false or neither.

Aren’t we really just worshiping the same God?

The God of Christianity is one being revealed in three persons; this is heresy in the opinion of Muslims and Jews. To Islam and Judaism, there is one God and only one.

“…So believe in Allah and his messengers and do not say, 'Trinity.' Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son!...” (Sura 4:171). “…

Whoever associates others with Allah ˹in worship˺ will surely be forbidden Paradise by Allah. Their home will be the Fire. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers…” (Sura 5:72).

Islam sees worshiping Christ Jesus as blasphemy. They believe Jesus is a prophet and not divine. “And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say?”

(Al-Ma'idah 5:116). In this passage in the Quran, Allah asks Jesus if he ever told people to worship him, and Jesus replies no because it only belongs to Allah. In Islam, Jesus is only a prophet and does not save the world. Which directly contradicts the Bible.

Christians worship Jesus as Lord and Savior. Therefore saying that both religions go to the same heaven is illogical and contradictory in nature due to the

established differences in their beliefs.

Christianity says that the only way to eternal life is through faith in Christ Jesus, the Son of God. “... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:1112). Calling back to the Law of the Excluded Middle. Jesus can’t be the savior of the world and also not be the savior of the world at the same time. How can he be just a prophet while also being God in flesh?

Buddhism and Hinduism don’t even believe in a personal god at all. Their god is impersonal. A being that transcends the whole universe and is connected throughout everything impersonally. It is abstract and goes beyond a personal deity.

In Hinduism, you reincarnate in the world until you finally reach Brahmin (the Hindu deity/ ultimate reality) and join the impersonal energy and lose your personal identity.

While in Buddhism, Nirvana (the Buddhist deity/ultimate reality) is essentially nothing; it is the lingering sense after a candle is blown out. It is nothing but something at the same time.

Hinduism and Buddhism do believe in lesser gods, but their ultimate being is impersonal and is what you join with after death. Islam, Judaism and Christianity claim their God is personal. The believers can have a relationship with him like any other person and He requires worship. God can’t be both personal and impersonal. That breaks the law of identity, A is A. You could say the God of Christianity exists in Brahmin or Nirvana, but that is impossible. Christianity claims that God created all things and that nothing would exist without him. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He wouldn’t be all-powerful if there existed an impersonal thing that influenced and was a part of everything, especially something that is never mentioned in his word (that being the Bible).

The argument that

The four blind men touch the same thing yet have different conclusions. (Illustration by Shannon Little)

everyone is climbing the same mountain and they are all taking different paths to get there is an interesting theory. However, it diminishes in credibility when you consider the end goals of other religions. If the goal of all religions were to make people better, then I think that almost all of them succeed in a general sense. There are still terrible atrocities done in the name of a higher power.

Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism believe in reincarnation until you finally ascend to the higher plane, ultimate reality or cease to exist. The timeline of the world is often depicted as a circle that extends indefinitely. If you step into a river, someone in the future will do the exact same thing while someone in the past stepped there before you. While Western religions like Islam, Judaism and Christianity have a set beginning and end to the world. The world was crafted by a personal God with a plan. To Eastern religions, everything is repeating, while to Western religions, everything is essentially new.

In Judaism and Islam, your good deeds are weighed against your bad deeds, and if the good outweighs the bad, you make it into heaven or the ultimate reality. While in Christianity, God looks at what His Son did for you in your place, making you sinless in His sight, and all you have to do is repent and

put your faith in Him. This is a simplified overview of the different objectives these religions explore.

These religions worship different deities and plan to go to different places. There is a famous illustration of the blind men and the elephant. They all feel different parts of the elephant, and since they can’t see the whole thing, they all come to different conclusions. This originates in Indian tradition and is used to explain the differences between ultimate reality and shared truths in religions. This story only supports universalism.

People are interpreting the same thing differently, versus in pluralism, where there is a coexistence of different divine realities. The problem is that the author of the parable claims to know absolute truth. They profess all religions have a little wrong in them, but by saying that, they claim to see the whole elephant. That is inherently exclusive. Truth is not relative because if it were, we wouldn’t know that the blind men were mistaken in their assumptions of what an elephant was. You can’t say someone is wrong unless you claim to know what’s right. The universalist claims to know the truth, making him exclusive in his beliefs. It only differs if you're blind and the universalist claims to be the one who can see all. This goes back to what I mentioned earlier.

These religions are not touching the same thing. The elephant example can make sense of all religions having similarities at the surface, but these religions contradict each other. They aren’t all touching the same thing. They aren’t getting their divine revelation from the same place.

Dr. Guy Crain, Rose State philosophy professor, is an Eastern Orthodox Christian. “…to cut to the chase, I mean strictly speaking universalism is a heresy according to the Orthodox Church, but that's because you're claiming to know it's going to happen, not because it's not possible….” Crain does believe there is wiggle room. That wiggle room lies in different sects of Christianity and not in other contradictory religions. To approach religion from a tolerant perspective, one can adopt a universalist approach. However, it insults almost every major religion by basically saying ‘they all mean nothing.’ I believe the focus should be shifted to what happens after death. Not enough people care about their own mortality. The topic is important, and people should look into it for themselves. I’m not here advocating for my religion, even though I believe it’s the correct one and you should choose it, but you should weigh the evidence for yourself and make your own decision.