Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeReligion and spirtuality important to happiness in life
submitted by Naomi Ramon Krzyzaniak
September 10, 2007 —
MTV and The Associated Press recently released their findings on religion and spirtuality, entitled "How Sex, Money, Race, Faith, Family and Technology Affect the Current and Future Happiness of America's Youth." This seven-month study interviewed 662 of America's Youth (ages 18-24) and was released during the week of August 20.
Apparently, religion and spirituality are an integral part of happiness for a significant amount of American young people. 44 percent said that religion and spirituality are either a very important or the single most important thing in their lives. Additionally, a staggering 80 percent of those who say spirituality is the most important thing in life also say they are happy with life in general.
Happy with life in general? We all know happiness can be elusive, if pursued on its own. Binge eating, promiscuity, excessive drinking or any other temporary highs serve only to deepen depression and increase the urgency of the pursuit for happiness. I've been there - spent too many mornings with a pounding headache and cottonmouth regretting the night before. But there is a real inner peace that comes with resolving those conflicts through the pursuit of what MTV and The AP call religion and spirituality. That resolution is what, in my opinion, brings happiness. For me it was simply acknowledging that I could not, on my own, manage my life. (Enter Christ, stage right).
But being a Christian is tough and being a Christian on a secular campus is nuts and doesn't guarantee "happy, happy!" Try being the only one on your floor that doesn't drink, or choosing to remain celibate when your roommate changes bed partners like, well, underwear. My hope is that students looking for support in their Christian faith will find it--right here on campus--and be happier as a result. It happens. I'm proof.
There are a number of Christian organizations here on campus: Catholics on Campus, His House, Campus Crusade for Christ and Ecumenical Campus Ministries to name a few. Whatever your background, previous affiliation, or current spiritual position; if you desire to grow in your Christian faith or are wanting to explore the Christian faith, connect with at least one of these groups. If you've visited before, visit us again this year.
Naomi Ramon Krzyzaniak Girl's Chaplain, ECM