Students urged to keep the faith

According to recent surveys, two-thirds to 80 percent of college students report losing their faith during their undergraduate years.

Why? The answers are numerous: They're away from home and their parents' influence. Many are experiencing new things — alcohol, sex, late nights, freedom — and they like to sleep in on Sunday mornings. College professors are challenging what they call "childish" views on many fronts, including religion.

The Modesto Bee newspaper recently asked faith leaders in the Modesto, Calif., area to give their best spiritual advice to high school seniors getting ready to start college. Here are their edited responses.

Up to the challenge

Faith is never what we call "blind faith." God never expects us to act foolishly or rashly, but with trust in what he has said or challenged us to do. Faith really becomes a matter of whom we will trust, God or ourselves, but it is never a blind, irresponsible act, although to some it may appear to be so. And faith is not anti-intellectual. Faith can be challenged, tested and examined. So take your questions and honestly examine them. Questions are not a reason to abandon faith, but a chance to prove it. Talk about it with friends, respected leaders, and research it with openness. God is up to the challenge, and in fact welcomes it. — Pastor Chuck Adams, The Carpenter's House.

Changeless church

There will be new challenges, new ideas and many changes to your life, but know that the church of the New Testament is changeless! Anywhere you may go, any challenge that may confront you, any doubt that may enter your mind, you must remember the words of our Lord, who said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12). Go forward in life and be filled with knowledge distinguishing that which is helping from that which is detrimental to pursuing your goals. Keep your mind focused on living your faith, and be confident in knowing that you are always being embraced by God's love. — Father Jon Magoulias, Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.

A big God

I am convinced that as our students come to know and understand God's character — his unconditional love, his grace, his mercy, his sovereignty — they will not abandon their faith but more deeply embrace it. Some will reject the teaching of their upbringing or walk away from the church as an institution or get consumed by self-ideologies, but our God is a big God, and being a student of his character is a lifelong and fulfilling adventure. It brings purpose and perspective to life. — The Rev. Dave Kerr, Trinity United Presbyterian Church.

Stay connected

My advice is to seek out a faith community that is solidly supported at a church or on campus. It is also very important for students' "home churches" to stay connected with their out-of-town students by notes and hospitality during home visits. As difficult as it is to keep faith and find Christian fellowship among peers during the college years, it is a critical time of spiritual searching, and a faith community is very important. Students and churches need to make this faith nurture a priority. — The Rev. Nancy Clegg, Cortez Presbyterian Church.

Keeping God close

My advice would be to start each day with God. Reach a chapter of the book of Proverbs each morning and commit your day to God in prayer. Keep close contact with a godly parent or mentor back at home. Never do anything away from home that you would not do if you were in the presence of your pastor or youth leader. Actively seek out spiritually mature Christians on campus. Join an active campus organization, such as InterVarsity or Campus Crusade. Let your new friends know upfront of your faith. — Pastor Aubrey McGann, Valley Bible Fellowship.

Proactive in faith

My advice to first-year university students is this: Practice your faith more deeply in college on an adult level, on a personal level, as with the other aspects of your life. You learn how to do your own laundry, shop and cook for yourself, and keep your own schedule without your parents' oversight. Now is the time to become responsible and proactive in your faith life as well. It's an exciting time of discovering God in ways you did not know him as a child. Do not shrink from the university culture, but engage it with a firm belief in God. — Father Joseph Illo, St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Test out ideas

My advice to our graduating seniors encourages them to explore the many new ideas and possibilities that present themselves, and to test them against (their own religious) values. Does the new concept help them to be kind to others? Does it help the world become more just? How will it affect the poor and oppressed? Does it consider the well-being of our environment? If these questions are answered in positive ways, it's consistent with our faith. — The Rev. Grace Simons, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County.

Doubt vs. fear

It's OK to have doubts and to ask questions about your faith. The opposite of faith is not doubt; the opposite of faith is fear. Don't make decisions based on fear. Trust that God is always with you, loving you through your life journey, wherever it takes you. Take courageous risks for the good of yourself and the good of others. — The Rev. Michael Schiefelbein, College Avenue United Church of Christ.