Religion is like poetry — its interpretation is up to the individual and it will always vary from person to person. It’s a subject that once taught us to embrace humanity, love and faith, but religious sects have made it the habit of persecuting those with differing beliefs and practices.

Conflicting religions constantly chastise one another, while also punishing those who are confused in their beliefs or atheist in nature. Individuals from these groups force their beliefs on others, attempting to convert “heathens” to their ways.

An obvious example would be the Brickyard preachers, who stand defiantly shouting obscene remarks to students walking by, commonly consisting of “going to hell” or bearing sin.

They judge us in a manner that our society was raised not to do, by judging a book by its cover. Clothes, habits and opinions supposedly guarantee us a smoldering journey to hell, but the real question is do they really think people will listen to them and take their offensive comments to heart?

You can’t force someone to feel your personal emotions towards God, especially when done in such a negative manner. All that their attempts accomplish is to frustrate students and push them farther away from being closer to any of their religious beliefs.

These preachers’ missions have taken a turn in a direction they didn’t foresee. These fanatics deter students from listening to anything they have to say, allowing the student body to hold on to their convictions even stronger than before.

No one has thought about the connotations of Campus Crusade. The Crusades were a thing of history until today. These battles were waged in the name of Christianity, designed to halt the expansion of rivaling pagans religions. Their purpose was to convert followers of these other religions to Christianity.

Even now on campus, religious crusaders continue to practice this, stopping students to have a talk about God. They follow you no matter how busy you may be. Even wearing an I-pod, which is the universal symbol for “piss-off,” won’t deter them from their goal. They visit dormitories, apartment complexes and popular locations on campus to find possible converts. These constant attempts to sway our judgment make it difficult to trust their intentions. As it seems they’re trying to fill a quota rather than teach people about the Almighty.

Tension has built up over time, causing religious groups and atheists to clash. Each side has a part in belittling the other and expressing its smug beliefs in one another’s presence. There doesn’t have to be controversy though; students can be left to believe in their own spiritual practices, and those who are truly confused will come when they feel the need to or if when time is right, they will seek the answers that religion may offer.

I learned a long time ago that it’s spiritually and morally wrong to seek these answers, go to church or practice beliefs for any reason other than for yourself. Stop trying to force us to conform and let us ask for spiritual guidance when we are ready. What do you think about the way religion is presented? E-mail your thoughts to viewpoint@technicianonline.com.