In our age of scientific progress and unmatched familiarity of the universe around us (up to this date), it is becoming less and less popular among millennials to profess a faith as their families have before them. In a world of instantly accessible information, we are much less inclined to believe something that we can neither see, nor hear, nor touch for ourselves. Kids dread going to church and put up such a fuss that parents have stopped bringing them to hear the good news of whichever faith they have chosen. Don't get me wrong, I was one of those kids who hated waking up on my weekend to go and sit to hear stories from thousands of years ago; time that I could've spent watching TV or playing outside or sleeping. Once I reached about 16, the age at which Catholics get "confirmed," young men and women stand up in front of the congregation and publicly announce that they choose Catholicism. While there are a good number who only go through the process because their parents make them, I can honestly say that I did so willingly. The faith, hope and love that I learned on that journey are things that I cannot imagine my life without.
As a science major and the daughter of a physician, it can be assumed that I would not find much validity in the idea of an unseen higher power. Science is based on observable facts, the kinds of facts that religion can not give (at least to the degree that scientists require). Today's leaders of the Church have gone astray, which is driving an unfortunate number of people away. While I don't agree with everything in my religion (as I believe nobody should), I proudly proclaim myself Catholic and can't picture my life without my faith.
The fact of life is no matter what you believe in, tomorrow isn't guaranteed and death is inevitable. No matter how knowledgeable or powerful we humans we become, I don't believe we will ever really know what happens after death. For me, it makes for a happier life considering the possibility that there is something more after my time here has ended. It gives me a sense of hope and purpose and it makes the daily sufferings of life that all humans endure easier to combat.
Most of all, I find the root teachings of Christianity to be inspiring and a good way to coexist peacefully. Jesus preached love, a pure love of everyone and everything. it is a love without condition and full of mutual respect. This is a kind of love that I have found to be scarce today. Even in families it is becoming more uncommon to find this untainted love. If I can spread this way of life to but a few people and they can spread it to a few more, then maybe one day we can leave the world a better place for future generations. A world of love and compassion, a world of coexistence, a world of mutual respect and consideration. That is why I choose faith.
