For many devout believers, religion isn’t only practiced in their private lives. Fossil Ridge High School students of various faiths use their religion for guidance and comfort in the classroom.
“It’s like a manual to my life,” said senior Vedant Manakeschwar, who follows Hinduism. “I just pray to God, I just tell him to guide me and just hold my hand where I’m going.”
Some students express a need to change their ways because of their faith and to be more aligned with their morals.
“Being part of my faith means submitting your life to Jesus Christ and following his teachings,” Christian Justice Paulus said.
Another important aspect of following a religion as a student is learning from the teachings and applying them to their life. It also includes doing good deeds and serving others.
“I think being a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints means trying to be like Jesus Christ and trying to serve others as best we can, while also learning about his ways and trying to apply that into our lives every day as Jesus would,” Mormon Jayden Wallin said.
Wallin said he considers his religious values in his social life.
“So I listen to this music, and does it align with what’s best for me and what helps me grow closer to Christ?” he said.
And sometimes, other people may make the choice for him, knowing his beliefs. Wallin believes their actions are rooted in care.
“Sometimes, I’ll not get invited to things because people know my standards and my values,” Wallin said. “Maybe the stuff that’s happening at the party doesn’t align with my values, so they won’t invite me.”
“But that’s kind of like the fine line of, like, what are my choices in my life? Of like, do I attend this, and does it align with my values?” he said.
Justice Paulus has a very unique story as a Christian. Not only does he read and study his Bible, but one of his hobbies regarding his faith is debating.
“One of my favorite things to do when it comes to the faith is debating. I think it’s a talent that God has given me,” Paulus said. “I would be in class every single day just doing research, about how to just contribute different points or, you know, answer people’s questions.”
Another pattern among the students is that questioning has been part of their faith journey. Many students reported that they would research and ask questions to their family and church.
“Recently, I’ve had a lot more questions about my faith,” Wallin said. “I’ve been able to go to my church leaders and my parents about it.”
Although most students reported that they found their faith through their upbringing, many of them started following their faith independently from their parents after questioning their faith.
“I didn’t only find it because I was raised into my religion,” Wallin said. “I kind of more recently had a choice on whether I want to maybe go to church or keep following this religion. And I guess I’ve kind of found it to be true in myself.”
