Category | News

History class visits Atlanta temple

Published on October 23, 2007 by The Sentinel

     Sometimes it is more interesting and useful to experience other
cultures than just read about them in books. That is exactly what the
students in one section of History 2206, Origins of the Great
Traditions, did on Oct. 14th.

    Most of the students in Professor Albert Slomovitz’s
class, who have been studying the religions and traditions of India,
visited the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, located in Riverdale, just south
of the Atlanta airport.

    Several of those who visited the temple commented on
the ornate architecture and colorful statuary and images. Taresa
Johnson said the temple had a “huge ‘wow’ factor. It hits you, Bam. It
is very different.”

    Rhonda Garchow was impressed with the hospitality of
the Hindu priests. “They allowed visitors into the sacred areas of the
temple, and they offered us food that had been presented as
offerings..” Her husband went with her to the temple and it was the
first time that they had been in any religious building other than a
Christian church.

    Benjamin Tiller commented that “It was interesting
to gain a cultural perspective outside of your own comfort zone.” He
went on to say “It should be a requirement [to experience other
cultures].” Frank Kreutz said “It was nice to get such a wide,
practical view of what we are studying., especially when it is so
different from what you are used to.”

    The Hindu Temple is open for long hours and there
are no fixed services or liturgy. Priests pray at the statues and
images of Hindu gods while families come in and pray together,
sometimes walking around the statues as they prayed. Children played
downstairs while the older family members prayed and welcomed visitors
upstairs of the main floor.

    Visiting a Hindu temple made at least one KSU
student uncomfortable. Zac Lanier said that “the customs are kind of
bizarre. They go to the shrine to pray and just walk around.”

    Professor Slomovitz has an interesting background
for a history teacher. He is an ordained Jewish Rabbi and is also a
retired chaplain from the U.S. Navy. The invitation to visit the temple
was made by a friend of his who is a member of the Hindu Temple of
Atlanta.

Photo By Professor Albert Slomovitz