Throughout your life, you’ve probably crossed paths with people with a wide range of religious views. From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Judaism to Christianity, Bruins show their acceptance of all religious beliefs followed by their classmates.
Sophomore Josh Kors, a professed Christian, explained that most teens are very tolerant towards religion.
“They see it as a personal choice and they typically don’t judge,” he said.
Senior Shane Boyer’s views lined up with Kor’s experiences.
“Well, I’m not a very religious guy,” he said. “I can see how people can be involved in it. I think they have a lot of good moral values.”
Grace McDaniel, a senior, said that she thinks people see religion in a strange comparison to another collection of associations.
“I think that most people view religion pretty parallel to a political party in a weird way,” she said. “But people also tend to stereotype them a lot which scares people away.”
Some Bruins have a complicated relationship with religion. Even though they are born into a faith, sometimes they end up exiting it. For example, Freshman Rylie Jeffers stated she exited her religion because of her personal experience with it.
“We found out some things about the church,” she said. “Then, we decided to leave all together as a family because we didn’t want to be in a church that had hurt us multiple times and that will continue to hurt us since we found out these things.”
Religion is a huge part of many people’s lives and Jeffers’ sudden departure from it surprised even her.
“It was just hard because I had spent 14 years of my life in that church,” she said. “But, it hurt my parents more because they had spent their entire lives there and that’s the church that they went to for help. It was shocking and hard, but it got easier.”
Even though Jeffers had a negative experience with religion, she still manages to see it as a positive thing.
“I think, when you find the right one for you, it’s a really good thing and really beneficial,” she said. “If you don’t have one, God is still a good thing to believe in.”
Whether you are religious or you aren’t, religion will affect your life in some way. Some more than others.
“My religion affects my life because my main purpose is to become more Christlike,” said McDaniel. “And through that I have to read the Bible, obey Him, and try to just mimic His life as much as I can.”
U.S. and World History teacher Trent Duffey described that religion has had a substantial and productive influence in his life.
“I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said. “Religion has had a profound impact on my life. It has brought me much peace through difficult times, greater joy in the good times, and continued perspective on what really matters. It has also provided opportunities for me to serve others and grow. I believe that religion gives individuals, as well as communities, principles, standards and values to live by. It also has the ability to instill greater commitment, purpose, humility, and love for all.”
Religion has been weaved into the culture of our country through originally religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. These holidays are enjoyed and loved by all, whether religiously or not religiously active. Boyer shared his views on these times of the year.
“Christmas is a banger — favorite holiday by far,” he said. “Easter is kind of under-hyped.”
