by Jared Hymas

Created on: October 25, 2008

" The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God." John Adams

America was founded upon religion. Whether or not you agree with organized religion, it was the reason people came to this continent. Our country has a rich heritage of religion, and religious freedom.

As a young man who recently left his teenage years, I felt impressed to share the importance of religion in a teens life. The teenage years are a turbulent time. How many temptations are there to do wrong things? How many things will a person, especially a teen, do to be accepted? These questions define to me the essence of the importance of religion.

Religion provides an anchor for you to fall back on. As a Christian, you don't have to decide in that moment whether or not something is right or wrong. You know what is right, and what is wrong, and you know why it things are right or wrong. As a Christian you have made you decisions already, so when the temptations arise, you don't have to think twice. As a Christian you have pre-built, time tested standards to fall back on.

Religion provides self confidence. When you realize what your true relationship with deity is, there is a self confidence that comes. The self confidence come from knowing that even if you stand alone in your high school, you are standing with the prophets of the Old Testament, and the Apostles of the New. The confidence comes from knowing that God has engraven you upon the palms of His hands, and that He will never leave you alone. The confidence comes from knowing that living the teachings of the scriptures, is a sure way back to Heaven.

Being an active member in your church also provides a network of good friends. Being able to associate with others who have the standards that you share, is an uplifting relationship for both friends. Attending a church provides youth groups which provides the opportunity to be with those who are going through the same life experience as you are. Youth groups are a good support network to teens going through life.

Finally, religion sets the tone for the rest of your life. As a teen, it is the first time that you really get to decide whether or not you want to be religious. When you make that choice, you are personally committing yourself to live a life in accordance with your religion. I know as a devout follower of my religion into my post teen years, that employers and professors have been impressed by my work ethic and standards. All of these things will come to those who truly follow their religion.

America was founded upon religion. America needs religion. As Alexis de' Tocqueville said, "America is great because she is good, if America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great."

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