There aren’t a large number of movies about college-age kids going to Adoration, Confession, or Mass. You don’t see new movies coming out about people in Bible study groups or praise and worship bands.
The traditional college experience seems to be focused on other things…
What I’m getting at here is that the media doesn’t label Catholicism, or religion in general, as “cool.” At first glance, this can hurt. But in reality, Catholicism isn’t cool.
That which is cool is always moving in and out.
The music you think is cool now will be lame by the time your children hear it. Fashion that was cool last year is already taboo today, and don’t even get me started on the rapid turnover of phrases that we consider cool (I’m looking at you “YOLO”).
That which is cool is left behind.
I often times wonder how many warehouses are filled with silly bands left over from the 2010 craze. I can imagine the sequin purses and Snuggies hiding in the attics of today’s twenty-something-year olds. The leg warmers and neon clothing in my closet are neglected until a theme party pops up on the calendar.
So it’s true, Catholicism isn’t cool.
It’s not a fad. It’s not something that is here today and gone tomorrow. The Church has been here for many years and will be for many more. Unfortunately for us, this means that there can be a lot of pressure to not live out our faith.
Even on my Catholic college campus I have experienced the temptations to have what the world tells me these four years are all about. What I think is most important is surrounding yourself with the people who want to run with you to Christ, and those aren’t always the first people you meet in college. However, these people are worth stepping outside of your comfort zone in pursuit of authentic friendship.
Immerse yourself in the faith community wherever you are, and know that the people there are being told the same lies by the world that you are. It’s not going to be easy, but when have the best things in life ever been easy?
