GUB4C Fishbowl Experience
Is there a right way to worship? Am I the only one that struggles with my religious identity? Does anyone else have problems navigating college and faith? What does he/she think about religion and faith? These are the questions of a typical Christian Protestant student here at Georgetown. Chi Alpha and GU Sisters & Brothers for Christ sponsored an event solely based on opening the door to the Christian community and it’s many different narratives.
A few weeks ago, Christian student groups had the opportunity to engage with one another in a fish bowl event. The fishbowl consisted of a social gathering and a dialogue spanning around a wide variety of topics. The fishbowl operated as an environment where Christian communities could get to know one another and their spiritual community.
Overall, the Fish Bowl event was very successful. There was an estimate of 30-35 students from various student groups. Qdoba and beverages was served. The dialogue was very productive. The event began with a 30-45 minute segment for eating and socializing followed by 90 minutes of fish bowling and discussion.
The discussion section began with a reiteration that the space was an open space for all perspectives and opinions to meet in conversation while maintaining a safe nonjudgmental environment. The topics ranged from critiques of particular Christian traditions to intimate and peer relationships. Overall, the attendees left with a broader awareness of different experiences and perspectives of Christian perspectives. It was exciting to hear so many different inputs, advice, and even discussions occur with such a diverse group of people.
One major key was the emphasis on culture that was emphasized through the environment. Over the past three years the fishbowl has been in an apartment with strong cultural decorations. We believe these cultural components added to the atmosphere and exposed many of the attendees to mini cultural experience. Each of the facilitators, whom all have attended multiple fish bowl events, thought the atmosphere was a key factor that helps set the tone of the experience.
Written by GU Brothers For Christ