<p>Mike – I don’t know what you have been exposed to that you can equate people who have a strong enough belief in the bible that it colors their view of public policy with Nazism and the KKK, but quite honestly, I find it sad as well as somewhat distressing. </p>
<p>People’s opinions on public matters are by definition shaped by their own moral compasses. For many in our country, that moral compass is set by their religion. We live in a democracy – people get to have all different opinions and seek to elect people who represent those opinions. The examples you gave are situations in which people try to impose their horrific views without regard to law or democratic process. And quite honestly, even they have a right to voice those views (with limitations on actually inciting violence)-- and we can choose not to try to engage them (as students at Brandeis chose when the Westboro church came to campus).</p>
<p>Wherever you attend college, you will find people with whom you fundamentally disagree. Not all of them will be able or willing to engage in an intellectual debate with you over their views – sometimes they just believe what they believe because they believe it. Whether the underpinning for the belief is religious or otherwise, they have a right to their beliefs. If that bothers you, its your choice not to engage with them. But if you are going to get angry and upset with them for not offering you a better debate, you are the one who will be creating the problem – not them.</p>
<p>Brandeis is known for its acceptance of varying views. As has been noted, there are groups on campus representing various positions on Israel. But along with those varying groups comes a respect for the existence of varying groups. There will be students who strongly support Israel. Will you dismiss their views as being theocracy if they wear a yarmulke and not listen to what else they might have to say? Will the fact that their belief in God influences their view of the world mean you can’t respect their view? </p>
<p>There is a sizable and noticeable Orthodox Jewish presence on campus. They are still a small minority of the student population, but because that minority is larger than on other campuses, it is still noticeable. There are also observant Jews of other denominations. Many of these students fashion their lives in certain ways because, yes, they do believe it is what God wants from them. You could easily go through your 4 years at Brandeis without any of that being an issue for you – unless you choose to make it an issue for yourself. If you cannot accept their right to feel this way, and if you would be so upset by the presence of such students, I think you should question whether your own intolerance (and sorry, but that’s what it is if you have such a strong reaction to others’ way of life) makes you suitable for a college that is known for its tolerance.</p>