Osterhaus: Religion isn’t a trend

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Congratulations. It looks like if you’re not religious, you’re a part of the “in crowd.”

Yet, there needs to be an increase in respect for people who lead a religious life. I don’t understand why people look down on those that try to improve themselves by following Biblical examples, which sure, they might not be fact or there may be no God, but what’s wrong with striving to improve oneself with religious approaches?

nutgraf

I asked a fellow student if he went to church, and to my amazement, he sheepishly answered ‘yes’ like he was ashamed to tell me he actually had a spiritual side to him. It broke me heart to see this, and I knew instantly, that this was very wrong. No one should ever be embarrassed when sharing beliefs with others.

Over and over, I’ve heard the classic story of the person who was brought up Catholic, and then later, claims himself or herself an agnostic or atheist.

In fact, I’m living proof of this.

In the early years of grade school, I actually wanted to become a nun. I remember in first grade I rode the bus for an hour to school every morning, and to pass the time, I prayed the rosary. I was infatuated with Catholicism, and I was determined to go to church every Sunday, too. If I didn’t, my grandmother said that Jesus would cry. So I went to mass, I prayed, and after a while, I became an agnostic, but not to keep up with a trend.

Many nonbelievers have personal stories about why they choose not to participate in religion, but I feel that some, if not most, have a pretentious way of delivering their views. This can also be taken at the opposite angle when Christians, or people of any faith, force their religious views upon others, but I’ve come to know more arrogant atheists than pompous Christians.

If someone bravely admits that he or she is religious, he is she gets negative reactions from the James Dean esque atheists and agnostics who say, “You are? That’s lame,” or “Why the hell would you submit yourself to that?”

Why the hell not?

I recently observed a Christian church called Vintage Church at the Lawrence Art Center at 940 New Hampshire St. The structure of the sermon was extremely modern. I was greeted by a huge group of incredibly warm and accepting Christians. They opened with a talented band playing religious songs that I actually enjoyed listening to. (It was no Radiohead, In Rainbows but nevertheless enjoyable). Then, the preacher said that he was happy to receive the company of those who came to explore their church. As he spoke, there were no implications of what was fashionable concerning religion. He was simply saying that the church welcomed anyone, even if they didn’t have a relationship with God. When the hour was finished, I decided this church was open-minded and tolerant, the way that everyone should be.

I really hope that some day people will become more accepting of religious and non-religious views. Yes, it’s wishful thinking, but hope and faith are beautiful things, no matter where one chooses to place them in their lives.

Now, to all you “trendy” people out there, can I get an Amen?

Osterhaus is a Seneca sophomore in journalism.

Group auctions their souls for charity

Society of Open-Minded Atheists and Agnostics hosts event to raise awareness of ...

/news/2009/feb/20/soul/

Free: Separation means politicians should keep beliefs ...

It's time our policy members realize the true meaning of separating church ...

/news/2011/apr/24/free-separation-means-politicians-should-keep-beli/

Students face religious dilemmas

At the college level, some students find growth in challenging spiritual beliefs.

/news/2009/dec/08/students-face-religious-dilemmas/

Atheists lead a discussion to educate public

People have the chance to ask questions of a belief system they ...

/news/2007/may/10/soma/

Letter to the Editor: History of peaceful ...

Many religious traditions are based on science and logic.

/news/2010/apr/08/letter-editor/

Witches and Rituals and Spells Oh My!

A small group of witches and pagans sit on the floor around ...

/news/2005/apr/07/jayplay_features_witches/

Psychologist speaks of religious infection

Dr. Darrel Ray will be speaking tonight about the influence of religion ...

/news/2010/nov/16/psychologist-speaks-religious-infection/

Folmsbee: Why can't we all get along?

Continued controversy in battle of religion vs. science isn't necessary.

/news/2010/apr/06/folmsbee-why/

Student atheist’s video wins award

Chris Redford’s documented transformation to an atheist earns him online recognition.

/news/2010/mar/30/student-atheists-mini-documentary-wins-award/

Living by the Book

/news/2005/jan/19/jayplay_features/

Love Your Partner As You're Taught

Different variables, including religion, influence how we see and express love.

/news/2012/mar/29/love-partner/

Obermeier: Please don't abuse our lexicon any ...

If you claim to be open-minded, then do so by not treating ...

/news/2012/feb/28/obermeier-please-dont-abuse/

Blackmon: Hidden motives in crusade on social ...

By encouraging parishioners to leave churches, Glenn Beck is overstepping his role ...

/news/2010/apr/01/blackmon-crusade/

Harris: Freedom is found inside a gold-tin ...

Restaurants shouldn't close for Christian holidays.

/news/2011/apr/28/harris-freedom-found-inside-gold-tin-wrapper/

Quiet Dissent

The separation of church and student

/news/2007/mar/15/quiet_dissent/

McNaughton: Readers should look beyond best-seller’s Christian ...

Focusing on a book's religious inconsistency misses its point.

/news/2009/feb/23/mcnaughton_readers/

KU Cauldron student to give Wicca lecture

The group’s vice president wants to help students understand the pagan religion.

/news/2009/apr/01/ku_cauldron_student_give_wicca_lecture/

Riding the rollercoaster of religion

For some, religion is nothing but a blessing. For Chris Horn, it’s ...

/news/2007/sep/27/riding_rollercoaster_religion/

Odd God

One Jayplay writer found God when she was 14... in a building ...

/news/2012/jan/18/odd-god/

Public debate on atheism draws protest from ...

Westboro Baptist Church to picket atheism debate this weekend.

/news/2011/may/04/public-debate-atheism-stirs-anger-local-christians/

Sandal: Religion can bridge differences rather than ...

The idea of love is common in most religions. So why do ...

/news/2011/apr/08/religion-differences/

Bond: Explore religions to find importance in ...

Faith is more important in everyday life than most students might think

/news/2011/jan/25/bond-explore-religions-find-importance-faith/

Editoral: Archbishop abuses power with remark

Amato loses his point when likening two people in love to suicide ...

/news/2007/apr/27/tashaed/

/weblogs/beer-for-breakfast/2009/oct/09/stuff-white-people-hate/

Letter: Jesus wasn't a Republican

/news/2008/oct/11/letter_jesus_wasnt_republican/

/comments/cr/33/14272/#c10982

Campus group organizes event to celebrate Darwin ...

The Society of Open-Minded Atheists and Agnostics (SOMA) has booked a guest ...

/news/2011/feb/07/campus-group-organizes-event-celebrate-darwin-day/

Naturally nude

/news/2005/dec/01/naturally_home/

/comments/cr/33/1030/#c409

Ten Commandments should unite, not divide Americans

/news/2005/apr/01/opinion_perspectives_wittlinger/

God's ad agents

/news/2005/mar/03/jayplay_notice_church/

Students ask questions about faith and the ...

Panelists answered questions about Christianity in the “Ask a Christian a Question” ...

/news/2010/apr/29/students-ask/

/comments/cr/33/17753/#c14717

/comments/cr/33/11912/#c8612

Speaker asks for change

Derek H. Davis explains problems with religious practices and their interaction with ...

/news/2007/apr/17/davis/

Student arrested for peaceful protest

Jon Dennis' spring break resulted in being arrested, but it was for ...

/news/2007/mar/26/peace/

Free: Time to clear up some misunderstandings ...

Here are a few word that should enlighten the enlightened.

/news/2011/may/06/free-time-clear-some-misunderstandings-atheism/

Society screwing with sexuality

As advertising constantly bombards people with sex, religion and government laws try ...