I just want to take some time to write about something that has been on my mind. I am a Resident Assistant at Haggin Hall and last September I invited Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) to do a program on dating at my hall. At the end of the program, the speakers spoke briefly about religion and their views on God and Jesus Christ. This only lasted about 10 minutes. The program was great and very informative.

Afterward, I overheard a few people complain about how CCC had mentioned religion and its views on religion. They felt like they were being recruited into CCC, even though there was no aggressive attempt to recruit anybody. CCC did ask people to fill out cards and indicate if they were interested in knowing more, but they didn't pressure anybody. I wondered to myself: Why would anybody complain about others sharing their views?

This is the question I have been contemplating and I may have an answer. When someone shares their religious ideas with me, I feel like they are sharing something personal that brings joy and satisfaction into their lives. By sharing this with me, they are showing that they respect me and want to expose me to something that may make me happy. Therefore, my reaction is positive and mutually respectful. I may not share the same ideas, but I am glad that person took the time to express his or her views.

Most people, however, do not have the same reaction as I do and that puzzles me. So, again, why do some of us react in a negative, offending and, at times, disrespectful manner?

After a little thought, I have come to the conclusion they react this way because they are insecure about their own spirituality. They may have doubts about their own religion or they may feel guilty. In some cases, these people are afraid the other person may be right.

I believe most people who are insecure about their spirituality do not want to hear about any religious ideas because they are afraid that they might start to believe. With this new belief will come a new lifestyle which will require major change and sacrifice. Change and sacrifice are difficult and the majority of us have a tendency to avoid it at all costs.

My advice to those of you who react to a personal expression of religious beliefs in a negative manner is this: If someone expresses to you a message of faith, receive it with kindness even though you may not agree with it. Keep in mind that they are sharing with you something that brings them happiness and satisfaction, and they only want others to have that same joy.