Letters to the Editor
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Maturing Beyond a Black and White World
I grew up in a conservative Roman Catholic family. While the dogma was not the same as fundamentalism, things were very black and white in my house - some things were good and some things were bad and there was no in between. This thinking shaped how I viewed everything in the world: God, politics, friendships, jobs, colleges, etc. There was good or there was bad.
At some point in high school I began to do just what this young writer has done - I began to see the gray area. I realized that the world is complex and full of subtle differences that are important. It was confusing and to my parents seemed rebellious. But it wasn't rebelliousness, it was just maturity.
In the end (and many years later), I have kept my deep and profound faith in God, but left the Roman Catholic church. I found a home in the Episcopal church, but there are many other denominations and non-denominational churches that will encourage you to grow in faith while you explore the complexities of the human experience.
You are a smart, thoughtful young person who is obviously capable of self-assessment. You can observe the world around you and recognize that what you see and experience does not always match what those in authority are telling you about the world. These are amazing traits that indicate that you are maturing in a healthy way - I know many adults that are not capable of those things.
Best of luck to you.