Unbounded Possibilities (UP) initiative supports and explores discussion and research around the interaction of religion, spirituality and health.

The Center for Study of Health, Religion and Spirituality at Indiana State was created in 2003 and is one of eight programs funded by UP. The result of a joint venture by the Department of Psychology and the Metanexus Institute, a foundation that supports communication of links between religion and science, the centers goals are to conduct research on health, religion and spirituality and create a setting for practitioners and consumers to communicate.

The center is to provide a forum for dialogue and scholarly investigation related to one of the most important aspects of human experience: our capacity for spiritual engagement and the ways that religious beliefs and institutions have helped individuals understand and express their spiritual potential, particularly as this relates to physical and psychological health, Jean Kristeller, director emeritus of the center, said.

It also hopes to provide experiential learning to students and provide educational opportunities for the community and the nation. While there are few employment opportunities are available for students to participate in the center, they can work with faculty on research and gain exposure to speakers and experts.

The clients of the center involve ISU students, faculty and staff it extends out toward the community, as well. There is a weekly sitting meditation group that utilizes center space, open both to the community and ISU students and faculty.

If the center is able to help promote and facilitate dialogue across the variety of groups that are present on campus, I think we are accomplishing the mission, Christine Kennedy, director of the center, said. As we promote the visibility, we want to utilize this space to promote and model the compassion of all people, regardless of what they believe or do not believe.

The center was chosen as one of eight initiatives funded by UP in January 2012. The university funds initiatives in the beginning until they become self-sustaining. An investment of $5 million has been put into these initiatives.

Patrick Bennett, associate director of the center and associate professor of psychology, said making the center self-sustainable is a possible challenge. He added that when setting up a new structure, it may be difficult to support faculty and students.

Grant-supported research, small community gatherings and large regional or national meetings will be a source of funding for the center.

Duke University has a similar center set up to explore the relationship of health and spirituality, but Indiana States center is the only one that has set up conferences, Bennett said.

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Center brings religion and science together