Accepting Our Religions
As it is reflective of the larger world around it, Newbury Park is home to people with diverse religious perspectives.
Faatimah Syed, junior, has been raised to be a part of the Muslim faith since she was born. “Islam has two major sects, I am Sunni and the other is Shiite,” Syed said.
Even though there are two different sects, the big idea of the two is the same. “The main idea of my religion is that there is one God, and the prophet Muhammad is his messenger,” Syed said. “Another important part of the religion is the five main pillars. Testimony, prayer, charity, fasting, a pilgrimage ‘Hajj’ to Mecca if you are able to.”
One of Syed’s favorite aspects of Islam is the celebration of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for the period of a month.
“It’s really fun and every night at mosque (the Islamic Center of Conejo Valley) they do prayer and since it’s Ramadan everyone goes and it’s really amazing,” Syed said.
Nicholas Nagamoto, junior, has also been brought up with religion for his entire memory, but his upbringing was under the Catholic religion.
“Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity and holds the belief that there is one God, Jesus died on the cross and the ideas of loving everyone and forgiveness,” Nagamoto said.
Nagamoto describes how in the Catholic faith, it is very important to go to Mass on Sundays. He attends the Church Angel Tree, St. Julie Billiart, and believes that if you are not able to make a conscious effort to attend Church, it is important to pray and thank God for what you have as well as ask for guidance if needed.
Nagamoto’s faith has also encouraged him to participate in charity work. “I like the community, they do not judge you. I also like the closeness to God that I feel, makes you feel good to volunteer your time,” said Nagamoto.
However, for some people such as junior Alex Meinhof, who was not raised in the context of any one religion, closeness to God is not an important aspect of life.
“(My) parents made it a big deal not to push me to do anything or believe anything based on what they believe,” Meinhof said
After being given this choice, Meinhof has decided that he does not believe in God.
Meinhof explained that this lack of religion in his life has not hurt or inhibited him in any way.
“I have faith, just a different kind. (For me) big questions like the origin of life are not based on faith, but instead having faith that when I cross the street the car will stop,” Meinhof said.
Unlike Meinhof, Mckenna Thorup, senior, places a large importance on faith in a higher being, stating how “it’s just so important in life.”
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, is a subdivision of Christianity.
Thorup explains how she as well as others in the Mormon Church believe “that the heavenly father, or God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings” and this is what separates them from other branches of Christian religions.
Thorup, whose family has been a member of the Church for more than four generations, is extremely grateful for all that her religion has provided her.
“All of the different beliefs and guidelines (have) been such a blessing in my life and put me on the path to where I am now so I’m really thankful for it,” said Thorup.
Despite the wide range of their beliefs, students of all religions are often able to come together.
“Islamic center organized an event where all the different types of religions painted fences here at NPHS. Newbury Park is very accepting and welcoming of all religions,” Nagamoto said.
Meinhof agreed. “NPHS is an incredibly accepting place. Everyone is very diverse,” he said.
According to Syed, difference in religion enhances friendships rather than hinders them.
“A lot of my friends have different religions and it’s very cool to see the differences in their practices and traditions,” Syed said.
