It is common in today’s society to find stereotypes. Whether it be a stereotype about a certain race, gender or sexual orientation, you will find something about each. One group I find being commonly stereotyped is Christians.

These days, films, plays, books and television shows have portrayed Christians as crazy, stuck-up people who refuse to ever open their minds to anyone else’s opinions other than their own.

I will be the first to tell you in the case of most Christians, this is completely false.

I do not wish to preach to anyone, I merely want people to understand not all Christians are like the evangelists who scream at people outside the library.

Unfortunately, this is the way people perceive Christians.

I was talking to someone about this subject the other day, and he said something I completely agree with. He told me saying the word “Christian” is almost like saying a swear word. People look at you funny and roll their eyes, thinking they won’t be able to get past a conversation without getting preached at. It’s a sad reality.

I know atheists, agnostics and followers of other religions feel the same way. They feel they cannot say they don’t believe in something or that they follow a different religion because they may get attacked. It’s very true. People don’t like being disagreed with and will defend their beliefs to the grave.

Atheists and agnostics know what it feels like to be stereotyped as well. It seems whenever you see them portrayed somewhere, they are shown as the mean, nasty ones with picket signs outside churches.

Very untrue.

I know some people who are atheists and I don’t have a problem with them. We just don’t talk religion. Honestly, I don’t mind talking religion, but if I know it will make people uncomfortable, I don’t bring it up. It’s a simple fix.

All in all, I don’t feel as if I have to play to the stereotype of a Christian. I don’t feel I have to preach. I will make my opinions known, but I won’t force them on anyone.

I love being a Christian. It rocks. I know some people have a problem believing in an afterlife, but truthfully, I don’t.

I love believing — notice I said believing, not knowing — my parents are watching over me. It comforts me and keeps me sane.

But that’s just my opinion. What’s yours?

 —  Jordan Wickstrom is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Beresford, S.D.