If you are new here, as I am, you're part of this marathon of words which universities call ‘’Orientation.'' Orientation -- that's when everyone tells you what's what at Duke. Professors telling you about courses, seniors telling you about Professors.

It's natural for you to think that, since you're the Chapel, I'll tell you what's what about religion.

It's tough to be a Freshman. There are so many questions: Will I like it here? How will people treat me? Have I brought the right clothes?  Should I go out for rush? Which courses to take? Where is the laundromat?

That's the way life is. Just when you begin to know your way around, just when you have a few good answers, you get uprooted, cut loose, and there you go again, more questions.  If you're a Freshman, for instance, only a few months ag…