Written by: Jalish Dawes
Cherline Callot, an early childhood education student, upload songs, scriptures, and pictures that are related to her faith on Facebook.
“I post these things to encourage myself and my friends on Facebook. It is not a regular thing; I post once a month.
If one feels comfortable about posting religious material on Facebook, what is the big deal?
“Why have a fight over religion?” Nolan Roditus said. “I consider religion a touchy subject when people mention it in their conversations. They defend their religion to the fullest potential.”
For some UCF students, the tendency to write religious material strengthens both their character and friend’s character. A few UCF students frequently read religious posts sent by their friends on Facebook.
Cody Delany, a science education in biology student, has had his Facebook account since 2007. Delany spends five hours a week on her Facebook account. She shares Bible scriptures on Facebook.
“I post scriptures on Facebook after reading Bible verses that really encourage me,” Delany said. “I want to share Bible scriptures to other friends on Facebook.”
Delany also avoids commenting on Facebook about controversial topics.
“I do not post anything controversial on Facebook,” Delany said. “I would not post anything controversial about gay marriage because I know it will upset people. I do not have any problem in posting lyrics to a religious song because I feel like that is not offensive.”
Delany shares her reasons why faith [Christianity] is important to her life.
“Faith is definitely the most important thing in my life,” Delany said. “It is the reason why I have joy. It is the reason why I have a positive outlook on life.”
However, Dashelyn Jarque, a senior biology major, had her Facebook for seven years. Jarque rarely uses her Facebook for anything other than connecting with family and friends from Valencia, Venezuela. She only comments on religious material when God wants her speak to someone about Jesus or if she is need of help from God.
“I tend to post scriptures from the Book of Proverbs,” Jarque said. “It depends on what battles I am currently facing in life.”
Jarque explains the importance on why her religion is important to her.
“My religion is important to me,” said Jarque. “It [Jarque’s religion] guides my footsteps. I pray to God.”
On the other hand, few UCF students ignore religious post that their friends send them on Facebook.
Delany admits that she occasionally skim read scriptures on her Facebook. Her Facebook friends post religious materials every day, particularly scriptures.
“ I do not necessary say I read every single scriptures that every one of my friends post regularly on Facebook,” Delany said.
Ryan Miller, a business pending major, had a Facebook account since he was in eighth grade. Miller spends 30 minutes a day on Facebook. He does not waste his energy in updating his status or posting religious material on Facebook.
“I think most people put ignorant things about religion on Facebook,” Miller said. “I would not start a flame-war with people who have previously posted information about their religion.”
Miller receive religious post from a range of once every two days in a week or three religious post every other day. He also have a lot religious friends on Facebook, but he does not get offended to know his religious friends are heavily guided by a different religion than him.
“I do not get offended at all because religion is a personal thing to me,” Miller said. If you personally believe [in your own religion] then go ahead.”
Cherline Callot had her Facebook account since 2007. Callot spends 12 hours a week on her Facebook account; she is obsessed with checking it on her phone. She is actively finds different ways to encourage herself and additional friends by spreading her Christian faith on Facebook.
Callot posts videos on Facebook to help brighten her gloomy days.
“I upload music videos on Facebook that relates to my experiences in life,” Callot said. “For example, if I am feeling depressed my song choice encourage me to know things will okay and things will get better.”
Callot feels Christianity is important factor in her life.
“My religion is important to me because it guides me on how to live my life according to the Bible,” Callot said. “It reminds me of my purpose in life which is to spread the Gospel (Good News) about Jesus Christ. It shows me how to be happy, love others and live a stress free life.”
The first sign of trouble on Facebook will likely end in two mutual friends sitting down a round table with a stack of their research from each sides of the argument on his/her religion.
The most important issue that will learn in their discussion: Everyone else have their own opinion about their own religion.
