Back to School: Religion on Campus

This week marks the start of another school year. For young children, it means sharpened pencils, new sneakers and perhaps a tradable lunch. But for post-secondary students, it could mean a new routine, fending for oneself, learning a new language, making new friends and finding a new home. Big changes.

Emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, young people are more likely to change when left on their own. It might sound scary, and it some ways it is. But it’s the most exciting transition I can recall. An article in the Washington Post, "How to keep faith on campus," touches on this theme while including religion in the mix of new things students might encounter. Written by a Jesuit priest, Kevin O'Brien, S.J., the article explains how university students are at a pivotal point of transition, and how faith is something that many will explore. As O’Brien puts it, young people will learn to think “more deeply, read more broadly, and write more cogently” in their post-secondary experience. 

When I was doing my B.A.[H], professors described post-secondary as “practice for the real world.” At first I agreed, but in retrospect I see my university degree as a taste of the real world in itself. I was asked to meet tough deadlines, test my personal limits, handle stress and excitement, and work with people with various personalities. 

School has always been a way for students to encounter new things in a safe environment, but it doesn’t mean it’s not real life. In an address to students, Pope Francis reiterates that “school is one of the educational environments where one grows by learning how to live, how to become grown-up, mature men and women.”

I’ve seen campuses, residence buildings and sub-communities on campus provide a space for exploration and a place for asking questions. Religion should be part of that conversation.

In fact, religion is one of the most relevant things students will discuss in university and college today. Religion — Catholic or otherwise — is everywhere. Whether debating philosophy or business ethics, the subject will come up in one form or another. But I fear students will not only avoid the conversation about God and religion but, should they join the debate, not know how to articulate their own faith (wherever it stands).

We are sometimes tricked into thinking that God is not relevant; that if we ignore religion, it will go away. If we don’t see or feel anything, then God does’t exist. This couldn’t be further from the truth. At times we allow ourselves to be egotistical in our belief, “If I don’t understand it, it didn’t happen.”

As the Washington Post article says, “Doubts are natural.” They’re a healthy way to keep us curious and explorative. Doubt shouldn’t deter us from the truth, it should draw us in. Questions shouldn’t be tossed aside as ignorance, they should be opportunities for growth.

Parents, allow your child the opportunity to find their voice. Pray for them!

Students, enjoy your time leaning into adulthood. Be curious! Take the opportunity to hear others speak about their faith, and have the courage to speak about your own. Don’t shy away from the conversation — be a part of it.