When someone first says to you, "I am a Christian," what are the first thoughts that run through your head? How do you find yourself treating that person? Do you constantly monitor what you say to avoid accidentally offending them? Religion is a touchy subject, and many people feel awkward or uncomfortable when speaking about their own faith or the faith of others. People also seem to try and put up a more conservative front when speaking to someone they know to be religious. There are people who may even become defensive or harsh toward people they know to be Christian. The reason for all of these things is because there is a stereotype associated with people who identify themselves as Christian. I'm not talking about people who say they were raised Catholic or protestant or believe in God and Jesus but don't really practice it. I am referring to those who display their faith openly and worship regularly. The stereotype is that they are conservative, rarely do anything risky, "prude", judgmental, and aggressive in trying to convert people. There are many Christians who are like this, but there are also many many many MANY that are not. An example of someone who breaks these stereotypes, you ask? Me!

Here is a little bit of background for you. I was born Catholic and raised in a Catholic Church. Four years of Catechism (Catholic classes in preparation for receiving the sacraments), regular attendance to Catholic mass, and a devoted line of Catholic ancestry to back it up. On top of that, I went to a protestant elementary school and middle school for nine years, followed by four years of Catholic High School. Now, I know what you're thinking. "This girl must be a nun or something." HA, no! A person's faith is different for everyone. Some people make their religious beliefs their entire identity, like nuns and other clergy. Some people simply dress a certain way to be "modest", like the amish and mennonites. Then of course their are people who obstain from certain foods, actions, or practices that would be contrary to their set of religious laws. There is nothing wrong with any of these lifestyles. In fact, some may argue that they are a great way to live one's life. I, however, do not fall into any of these categories.

Ask any of my friends, and they will tell you that I am outgoing, love to crack jokes, and have fun. I can openly admit that I am not a conservative person. That is a concept that is a bit shocking for some people. I go to church and am an active member of a Christian Bible study on campus, but odds are you have probably seen me dancing at a frat party or jamming out at a dage. I hate being home Friday and Saturday nights and live for a social life. My outfit choices and wardrobe are not modest by any means, and I love rocking a crop top or a miniskirt every now and again. Another crazy fun fact for you, I am also in a sorority! Not exactly what you'd expect from a girl who identifies herself as "Christian". That's the point though. Just because I am religious doesn't mean I don't like to let loose and go out. From first hand experience, I can assure you that I am not the only one either.

I think that one thing people misunderstand when they think of religion is that you can't be both devoted to your faith and be your own person. Many people think you have to conform completely to a set of rules that dictate who you are and what you do. This couldn't be further from the truth. I am me without anything telling me who to be or how to act. Yes, I do strive to be honest, loyal, and responsible like the ten commandments tell me, but I do have traits and characteristics that no religion could have given me or take away from me. For example, I have the strangest sense of humor. I may make a raunchy joke or laugh at one every once and a while because hey, that's life and it's funny. I also am kind of loud and quirky, not quiet and modest like you'd think a Christian girl would be. Bottom line is my personality is 100% me, not my religion.

Another stereotype I try to shatter is the element of judgment people feel while talking to someone who is religious. I honestly do not care if you smoke, drink, or have sex regularly. That's your business and your life and I would never say or do anything to make you feel judged. I admit that I am not perfect, and just because I am a Christian does not mean that I am better than anyone else or somehow above them. I mess up, I make mistakes, I "sin", so how can I justify judging and condemning someone else when I have issues of my own that I need to fix? Also, I would never not hang out or associate with someone just because I don't agree with what they do. If I like you as a person then that's enough for me.

Contrary to what many people would expect, I also love learning about other religions. Instead of trying to convert people, I believe that the more important thing is understanding. If people of different faiths and cultures understand each other instead of focusing on what is different between them, imagine how much more peaceful they would be. If there's a religion I have never heard of or don't know much about, I will look it up and research it so that I fully understand it. The only cure for ignorance is knowledge. I have gone to my Jewish friends' Shabbat dinner, I have gone to my Hindu friend's temple, and I even wish my Muslim friends happy Ramadan. Why? The answer is because I believe that every religion is beautiful and that every religion has some good to give the world. Just because I may not believe the exact same thing doesn't mean I won't listen to what you have to say and respect your beliefs.

I believe that the only way to justify my claims is to end this article with a brief explanation of why I am a Christian. Some people would argue that I am too opposite of what a "good", conservative Christian girl should be. I am a Christian because I whole heartedly believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, is the son of God, and intervenes in my life. I am a Christian because it makes me a better person. It is because of the love I feel from Jesus that I have a desire to love others in that same way. I believe that humans are good at heart and that people have to capability of becoming better and doing the best they can. I am a Christian because in a world full of violence and war, my faith gives me peace. Religion is about so much more than trying to make others believe what you believe. If anything, I would argue that that isn't even a part of religion at all, rather it is human agenda. True religion is finding that peace within yourself that reconnects you to God and the universe. For me, Christianity gives me that connection. For others, maybe it's Buddhism, Islam, or Hinduism. Everyone has some sort of belief that gives their life purpose and meaning. Christianity is what does that for me.

I am a non-conservative, Christian girl. I am my own person with a strong belief system. DO not treat me differently, or expect me to treat you a certain way because of my faith identity. I am just me. My religion is just one of many parts of me. Accept me as a regular person who also happens to be Christian. Don't let stereotypes effect how you see people of any religion or faith. A person's true self will always be unique and special, and it is in our best interest to get to know someone without focusing on labels or any sort of classification.