With boisterous worship nights, vibrant cultural art festivals, and festive religious celebrations, Houston boasts a beautiful range of backgrounds and ways of thinking.
As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the U.S., with more than 2.3 million residents, Houston naturally holds different religions. According to Pew Research Center, Christianity is the predominant religion in the city, making up 67% of Houstonians, while 25% are unaffiliated, 3% are Muslim, 1% are Jewish, and 1% are Buddhist. Other religions are present in smaller proportions, such as Hinduism which is less than 1% of the city’s faith. While their specific ideologies differ, each of them are bound by a belief in something greater, a conviction often displayed in their actions.
“I set time aside for my prayers, and I volunteer at my religious center,” senior and Muslim Rimsha Ali said. “I make sure that I prioritize my religion even though I have other commitments.”
Many students who follow a religion, in fact, said they believe that the Klein Oak community is welcoming to individuals of different beliefs.
“There’s no one trying to convert you or change your religion,” senior and Hindu Anish Reddy, said. “They make a community for you to be a part of and belong to.”
Carter Benson, a senior and protestant, noted that people of the same religion or community of faith build ties that carry them out of the classroom.
“I feel like people who have similar beliefs often band together,” Benson said. “Panthers for Christ is a great example.”
Benson and others admitted that people of the same belief often build a stronger deeper connection.
“When you have the same ideology, you share a lot of similar values or views,” senior and Buddhist Haylie Le said. “It’s just a lot easier to connect with them.”
Junior and Catholic Evan Castillo said that he wished there was more opportunity to practice his faith during school hours beyond a moment of silence during announcements.
“Time for prayer would be nice,” Castillo said. “School is just constant work.”
However, the others expressed apprehension about the inclusion of religion in school.
“I think that school should be separated from religion,” senior Jonas Hinshaw, who identifies as unaffiliated, said. “Those two things should stay very far apart to provide as much inclusivity as possible.”
Ultimately, the students acknowledged that several faiths in our community create an interesting environment, and while some issues could be improved, there was generally a culture of acceptance here.
“There are very diverse religions, so everyone is treated the same,” Reddy said. “There’s just a sense of community.”
