Religion is losing its importance to many teens, and many teens are practicing atheism and agnosticism.

The importance of religion is clearly seen between the freshmen and juniors.

Five members of the two classes share their opinions on religion and its importance.

Freshmen:

Brandon Fisher

Does religion play a major role in your day to day life?

“Yes,” Fisher said, “On Sundays, I go to church after I get coffee and donuts. It’s a routine.”

Do you think religion matters in friendships and relationships?

“Yes, I feel like if you want to be in a relationship you have to tell the other person in the relationship what you believe in. If you don’t, they may look at you differently when you do tell them.”

How has your view on religion changed since you started high school?

“It’s been the same. Throughout my whole life, I’ve gone to church.”

Donald Stokes

Does religion play a major role in your day to day life?

“No, it doesn’t,” Stokes said.

Do you think religion matters in friendships and relationships?

“Kind of, in relationships, because I’d rather date someone with the same religion as me.”

How has your view on religion changed since you started high school?

“It hasn’t changed in my freshman year.”

Ethan Robinson

Does religion play a major role in your day to day life?

“No,” Robinson said, “because I am not much of a believer in God.”

Do you think religion matters in friendships and relationships?

“Not in my opinion because people have different opinions. Religion is up to the couple.”

How has your view on religion changed since you started high school?

“It hasn’t. I am a firm believer in science.”

Juniors:

Karinna Glandon

Does religion play a major role in your day to day life?

“No,” Glandon said, “I used to go to church, but I don’t go anymore.”

Do you think religion matters in friendships and relationships?

“In certain cultures, yes, but in American lifestyles, no.”

How has your view on religion changed since you started high school?

“I don’t think it’s really changed. I still think it is the same.”

Matt Slezsak

Does religion play a major role in your day to day life?

“It depends on what’s happening on that day,” Slezsak said.

Do you think religion matters in friendships and relationships?

“Yeah, if you’re dating someone with a different religion, you may not look at them the same.”

How has your view on religion changed since you started high school?

“It hasn’t. Since I started going to high school there have been more cases of terrorism revolving around religion. I don’t support religious terrorism.”

Marcelis Collins

Does religion play a major role in your day to day life?

“Yeah, I think about it (religion) a lot,” Collins said.

Do you think religion matters in friendships and relationships?

“No, not really. The only time it would matter is if you’re both in the same religion. Having fellowship with someone doesn’t depend on religion.”

How has your view on religion changed since you started high school?

“Lately, I don’t have to worry as much. You don’t have to hold yourself to unobtainable standards.”