As I sat in a car at a detour today, wondering what I should blog about for the next post, I thought it might be good to speak about, more or less, what's happening now. So; I bring to you, now.
This week I have been volunteering at a VBS (Vacation Bible School) at a church not to far from the one I go too. We sadly can't have it at my church because of lack of children, but the opportunity of a VBS with the abundance of children we have at the one I am working at is quite...surprising, to say the least.
I got thinking, during a lower-key time of the camp, what do children think of religion, and more specifically, the religion their parents are raising them in, Christianity? And don't be fooled - it is quite true that often times parents will "force" their children into their religion. My parents didn't force me, per se - my dad's not even a member of the church he visits every Sunday since he doesn't "want to limit himself to one church." I was told from the very start that I would be attending church every Sunday. It was my choice whether I wanted to stay in the pews and listen to the good news of the Gospel, or head to the back of the sanctuary where there were toys, and coloring books. I'd say about 50% of the time I was in the back decorating the table with my wonderful artistry, and the other half I was "listening." I was probably laying on my back in the pews, getting my back scratched by my mother.
I also decided when I was about 11, during the Dark Ages, I wanted to be, and loved being, Christian. I was offered the chance to being a confirmation class, or "elevated Sunday school," as my mom called it. I accepted.
Confirmation class confused me at first. I knew only the pastor, and her barely. There were two boys, who shared the name Joe and where good friends. Then there was Ava, a fourteen year old spread into a sixteen year old's body. She was definitely big for her age, and smart. She only came every other Sunday and seemed much more interested in other religions and beliefs than the one she was studying. There was also Eli, the quiet but funny darker skinned boy who started coming one year into the two year confirmation endeavor - Joe 2 is still bitter about the fact he got to be confirmed the same time the rest of us did with half the work.
Ava chose not to be confirmed the day of confirmation, and I sincerely applaud her for that. She got up in front of everyone in that church and said she did not want to be confirmed. Her reason was that she hadn't tried all the religions yet, and it was only fair to try all, yes, all, before securing her faith to one forever. I think it was brave to say that. I like Ava.
But this actually helped me. I had known from pretty early on I was, and would always be, Christian. But it interested me there was someone like Ava, young and growing, who still wanted to try everything.
I brought it back to VBS with me this Monday. What do these children think? Do they want to try other religions? Or are they sure-fire Christians?
I expected way too much of this question. They were anywhere from three to ten. Some of them were probably capable of answering this, but I had been matched with the youngest group of kids and did not know any of the older kids. I couldn't just prance up to them, and ask, "hey, are you, like, Christian, or...?" They were at a Christian summer camp, for God's sake!
I am now confirmed, and proud of it. I am now considered an adult in the church. I have begun my adult-like actions inside the church, including recruiting new members for my church's yearly mission trip (click here for more info), helping with the Sunday school, volunteering at the VBS, and generally spreading the word of God's love and everlasting life with others.
I am not trying to force down religion down yours, nor anyones, throat. I am absolutely, 105% okay with everyone and anyone choosing any religion to be a part of - or no religion, if they so desire. It doesn't matter to me. I wouldn't want someone to tell me what to believe. I won't do it to someone else.
The main point of this blog post was to question if it is right to restrict yourself to one religion. There are thousands of religions, and sub-religions, in the world. It will take Ava years to try every religion out. That's dedication.
I plan to stay in contact with Ava. I will enjoy hearing about her action as she travels around the world, trying every belief. Perhaps she will find one so spectacular she won't need to try anymore.
I leave you with this, comrades - do not be afraid to reach out! There is nearly never a one-hundred percent correct answer to answer in life (besides math, perhaps. Even that isn't always set-in-stone). Religion is one of the most debated topics of this, and any, century. I beg you to check out as many religions and beliefs as you can if you are unsure, or think someone has forced you. There is a style of faith for everyone.
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