Only two types of teens: Christian or rebellious? That is close minded at best. What about other faiths: Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Pagan (which is not about black magick and sacrifice – at all), and the thousands of other very valid religions? The teen who rejects the religion they grew up in, to practice the one that feels right to them? Or even the Atheist teen who attends class, studies hard, participates in activity, and volunteers at the local food bank? How are these rebellious teens?

As a teen who grew up Christian (Episcopal), and later converted to Paganism, I must say I take offense to this article. Though not a Christian, I am certainly not a “rebel”. I don’t ingest any toxic substance (including, for the most part, caffeine); I take part in my school’s community service club; I read as often as possible; I advocate for civil rights and am politically active; I don’t disrespect my parents; and certainly don’t break the law. In addition, I am also highly spiritual (though not being so does not make a teen rebellious).

My spiritual conversion wasn’t a rebellion, either: it was finding myself. Though raised in a church, I never connected with it. I always had questions they couldn’t – or refused to – answer. Though there were times I felt such warmth, I realized it didn’t have to do with the religion: it had to do with the community, the love and connectedness to others. I never “felt” Christian. So, when I reached a certain age, I decided to search for my own answers. Eventually, I found them, and I have never regretted leaving the faith of my birth.

Every belief system – or lack of – is valid and the choice is personal. The only time any one religion should be fought against is when they try to oppress others (take over the government and make laws based on their holy book) – and even then, it is not a fight against the religion, just its power. My faith is just as valid and True as yours.

Also, remember this: morals don’t come from religion; they come from experience and self-searching. Some of the most immoral people have been so in strong faith, and some of the most moral in lack of.

Let me start off by saying that I have many atheist friends. They do not believe in any God, and most never have. Are they the rule breaking rebels you seem to think they are? No, not at all. These friends follow the rules, get respectable grades and are compassionate people. None of them have ever done wrong by me and have become some of the best companions I have ever had. Certainly, nothing like you seem to think they are.

As a Christian, I’m sure you despise it when people insult your religion or you for following it. You have every right to feel that way, too; nobody deserves to have themselves, their interests or their beliefs degraded. So, just as it’s wrong to be looked at in a negative light because of your religion, it’s wrong to look at all atheists as rebels because of their beliefs. Besides, not only is it wrong; but it couldn’t be farther from the truth.