The "Age" of Religion

For many, college is more than a time to be educated on biology, art, history, foreign language, the basics. It is a time to become educated on the religions of our world find out exactly what each one of us will choose to believe in.

Undoubtedly, when religion is brought up in conversation, the tension amongst the conversers shoots up to an extreme level. Many feel uncomfortable discussing their beliefs with others, not only because they do no want their opinions to offend anyone, but because they are not quite sure what their opinions are. I can attest to being fairly uncertain as to what I believe and what beliefs I hold are reasonable.

From the time I first entered public school to the end of my high school career, teachers were instructed to stay as far away from discussions of religion and the possibility of a God that the topic became somewhat taboo. With the exception of literature that had a religious connection, I cannot once recall a time in high school when we discussed religion on anything but the superficial level.

In “Faith of the Quad,” the author emphasizes the importance professors should have in students’ religious discovery, helphing “students with their concerns about ‘meaning’ and ‘purpose’ in life and with their desires to connect spiritual development with their intellectual growth in college” (Jaschik 285). When I read this, I was shocked at the enormous difference this is from the high school approach. Why? Why should high school teacher not be permitted to have that sort of influence in a students life? If we look at this from the “public school, government funded” perspective, keeping church separate from state, the lack of religion in high school is understandable. But then why does this separation fade away in college?

College is a new and exciting time for many, a time of change, discovery, experimentation, and a time to pave the path for the rest of your life. I believe that many people who have not grown up being very religion feel pressure to “find God” and the “look for meaning in life” (Jaschik 288). Personally, I have felt this pressure to some extent as well. Growing up in a secular family, I never had a great connection to God or a certain religion. I went through a time in middle school when I explored the Methodist church and its beliefs. I find the connection some have with God to be fascinating. The ability to truly believe and devote your entire being to someone or something you cannot see. Faith is incredible. I, however, have a very difficult time believing in the abstract idea of there being an all-powerful being controlling and watching over us. I have tried, to “see the light” but the sparks have not flown and the bond has not been formed.

I am actually fairly content with my current state of beliefs. Sometimes, I long to have that relationship with a greater being, to be able to truth fully say that I know there is a God who loves me and watches me and guides me in all I do, but I am far from being so secure in my convictions. I will continue to learn about the different religions and the evidence for and against religion and modify my beliefs along the way.