Why Do You Hate Me Because Of My Religion?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why Do You Hate Me Because Of My Religion?

What did Christianity ever do to you?

172
Why Do You Hate Me Because Of My Religion?
westernseminary.edu

For me, my religion is the soul foundation of who I am. I was raised in a very Christian household; I went to church every Sunday, Wednesday nights were choir rehearsals, Saturday was dedicated to Youth meetings and repeat. Every summer I attended Vacation Bible School, and when I got too old to participate, I would volunteer to help out with the younger children. I practically lived in our fellowship hall, and I loved it.

Growing up in a small, conservative Southern town, I did not face much ridicule for my belief. Most of my friends were Christian and some of my closest friends I had met in the church; so what I believed in was never a concern for me. Of course, some people disagreed with my faith, but I was too young to notice.

As the years passed, however, more and more people that I knew went to the church began to stray away from God. They would curse his name and mock the very scriptures they used to praise. It was very disheartening to see, but I did not know what I could do. I soon became known around school as a "prude" for my beliefs and people would often pick on me. I was able to ignore the mean comments and remarks until I reached high school and found my voice.

In high school, before I got into social media, it was easier for me to stop the harassment. People tend to get scared when they are confronted face-to-face, and I had no problem quoting scriptures and hymns backing up my beliefs to those that mocked me. However, as social media grew and the concept of "staying anonymous online" became a thing, a confrontation was no longer possible. People would post outrageous things about Christians saying that we're "hypocrites" and "liars." Apparently, all Christians believe that they are perfect and hate everyone else, which gives them cause to hate us back. So many things like this were posted and tweeted that I could not fight them all; it is just not possible. They would judge me based solely on my religion that I became terrified ever to state that I am a Christian.

My first week at college, I went to a student-run Christian service called CRU, and people laughed when I told them where I was going. I began to hide the fact that I went from my "friends" and never spoke of it again. All I would hear in class lectures and discussions was how people practically resented my religion, and I could not confront these people. It was not the same 100 students I had grown up with, but almost 10,000 people that hated what I believed. I began to feel ashamed that I called myself a Christian. As the year went on, I strayed further from God because of all the hate I received and I actually began to agree with some of the harmful things I heard.

I wish I could end this article stating that I made a massive display of faith publicly, but I cannot. I can say, however, that I know who I am and what I believe in. I do not care if you do not like me because of my faith and what I, apparently, "stand for". I refuse to be ashamed any longer of my religion; I will fight for my belief. I will no longer be quieted by the majority trying to suppress me. My name is Maria Uzel, and I am a Christian.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40667
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25258
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950870
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

132879
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments