After reading many articles about religion, I’ve decided to write my own. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the many articles I’ve read. What I love about these articles is that people are so passionate about their religion. It’s a passion that is felt through their words and I appreciate it. I appreciate people my age using their religion to defend and justify what they believe in. Some I agree with and some I don’t. However, this article is not meant to uphold the articles that I agree with and tear down those I don’t agree with. Instead, I want to reflect on what my religion means to me and how it has anchored me in my first year of college. (I do owe it to those articles I agree and disagree with for giving me this idea.)

So, I’m Christian. Baptist to be specific, which probably is not a surprise to anyone. But, what does that mean? This is something I’ve struggled with this year. This is not a part of myself that I am ashamed of, but when people find out they are usually surprised? Slowly, that surprise started to bother me. Why didn’t I scream "I live for Jesus.” Because I do. Or do I? (This is where I identify what my religion means to me, some will scorn me and some will applaud. Either reaction is fine.)

To start off simply, I believe in God. I love Jesus. I believe that he came here, walked this earth and died for my sins, so that I may have a chance at eternal life. I believe that with every fiber of my being. This is why I view my religion as more a part of my identity than something I actually practice. If someone asked me how often I go to church, pray, or read my bible it’d be pretty slim compared to other activities I find time for. But, because of my belief in Him, he is the basis for my moral code. The root of every traditional belief that I have is because of my faith in him. And, yes, I did say “traditional.” Too many people in my generation scorn at that word. Tradition does not equal bad, old, or stagnant. Anyways, I believe that my religion is my basis on how I live my life. But, I don’t actively pursue him. Does that make me a hypocrite? Or is this normal for people in my age?

I don’t believe that I will ever stop believing in God. I don’t think I ever could. It’s comforting to know that someone is always there. It’s comforting to know that someone will and does always love you. It’s comforting to know in bad decisions I can throw my hands up and share my problems with some else. Because that’s what God is for; to help you through this life. And, when it is over. You get to see him. You get to see the man, the myth, the legend. The thought of sitting at his feet always puts a smile on my face.

So, I guess, what I’m trying to say is that I believe in God and right now I feel like that is enough. However, I do want to actively practice my faith. I understand that what I am doing right now is not enough. I just want those who feel like me to not feel guilty as they look at those who are doing Christianity “right.” There’s nothing wrong with us, Jesus knows us and He has a plan. He always does.