My Faith Grew In College, But Not How I Thought It Would | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
popular

My Faith Grew In College, But Not How I Thought It Would

Recently, I’ve begun to ask myself: Why haven’t I felt comfortable directly talking about Christianity as a college student?

1.2k
My Faith Grew In College, But Not How I Thought It Would
Unsplash

I’ve steered away from openly expressing my faith and religious opinions with others for most of my college existence. Recently, I’ve begun to ask myself: Why haven’t I felt comfortable directly talking about Christianity as a college student?

While I may not openly express it to everyone, I am happy with my relationship with God. Growing up, I wasn’t exactly the coolest kid (typical teen angst, am I right?) and I felt unable to fit in, but God provided me with people who loved me and my roots began to grow. As I have grown into myself, I continue to feel that no one I know should have to feel lonely like I did. I know that my calling is to show people the love of Christ through my words and actions.

And honestly, I still do exactly that. But as I moved into college, I tended to steer away from Christ-based language, only discussing religious topics with trusted family and friends.

From the second I stepped into my freshman year of college, I was thrust into an entirely different type of religious community. All of a sudden I felt surrounded by people who made Christianity feel more like an exclusive membership than a welcoming faith, and honestly, it was intimidating.

Even though I was a member of this faith, I didn’t know all of the trendy Christian talks, and I began to feel as if I wasn’t welcome in this community. People quoted scripture at the drop of a hat, using it in everyday conversations, seemingly all day long. My social media feed was flooded with photos of painted bibles that took #blessed to the next level. Terms like “love languages” and phrases from books by Christian leaders began to ring in my ears. Christianity had begun to feel more like a trending topic than a religion.

I totally understand that the Lord is worth celebration. I also understand that there are Christians who grow closer to God through things like social media posts and conventions like “love languages.” But there are also Christians who have taken religion and turned it into a popularity contest. And for people like me (Christian or not), it can be perceived negatively.

Am I a “bad” Christian for feeling this way?

I don’t think so.

Looking back, I realized that the reason I don’t openly talk about my faith is that I’ve struggled to feel as if I fit this “perfect Christian” standard. Instead of joining in on the trends of Christianity, like posting my bible on Instagram or sharing the latest from popular evangelists, I have had to prove to myself what my faith means to me.

Through this journey, I’ve learned to challenge the way I perceive the world around me. Why am I a Christian? It’s not just because other people do or it’s the “cool” way to live life. It’s because Jesus has shown his love to me, even though I am not a perfect being. And I don’t ever have to pretend that I am. And because of that, I don’t need others to be perfect either.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

82313
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

9560
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments