MARCH 6, 2025 | OPINION | By James Flynn (Staff Writer)
Disclaimer: This piece mentions mental illnesses including depression and suicide.
Amid the chaos of the Battle of Dunbar in 1296, as Scottish forces fell apart under the charge of Edward I’s army, a lone soldier ran from the carnage, his breath heavy and his legs burning. He rushed toward Dunbar’s church, where the wounded gathered. Just as he reached the doorway, English knights stormed into the town. The clash of weapons and the screams of the dying filled the air. Clutching the cold stone of the church’s entrance, he hoped its sacred walls would offer him the safety the battlefield had not.
In the Middle Ages, churches were sanctuaries. They were places where those fleeing the ravages of war, disease or persecution could find temporary peace. They offered a brief escape from the chaos of the outside world and a safe space to regain strength. Today, we face a different kind of crisis. Mental health issues are skyrocketing, with anxiety, depression and loneliness reaching unprecedented levels, particularly among Gen Z. Although it is by every measure better to be alive in today’s world, mental health is arguably worse today than it was during the Dark Ages. This makes the role of churches that much more necessary in the 21st century. Studies show that being part of a church community can dramatically improve mental health and offer a support system that few other spaces can provide.
While many readers have a rightful aversion to churches, it’s important to recognize that not all churches are the same. The First Congregational Church near campus offers a welcoming and affirming environment, specifically for progressive individuals. With pride flags displayed and an open message of inclusivity, they have a community built on kindness and care.
Interestingly enough, Christianity in and of itself aligns with many progressive values. Scriptures like, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34) emphasizes inclusion, while Jesus’s call to “give to the poor” (Luke 12:33) reflects social responsibility. Even on topics like homosexuality, translations of key verses (i.e. Romans 1:26-27) are still being debated. Christianity isn’t inherently hateful; it’s just often weaponized by individuals. Some churches practice Christianity with love and inclusivity. To let the harmful misinterpretations of others stop you from finding a community that shares your values is to let the misinterpretations win.
Even if Christianity isn’t your thing, Colorado Springs has an underrated variety of religious communities to explore. For example, Pike’s Peak Metropolitan Community Church emphasizes inclusion, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, while Pulpit Rock Church focuses on community service. For those interested in Eastern theologies, the Colorado Springs Buddhist Center provides a space for meditation and teachings on compassion.
Generally, churches offer a consistent community that can be difficult to find in college. A recent 2023 report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation showed that 65 percent of GenZers have experienced a mental health issue in the past two years, making it the most depressed generation yet. While many factors contribute to this crisis, joining any community can provide support.
Studies show that young adults who participate in religious activities generally have higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression. For example, a study published in BMC Psychiatry found that young people involved in religious practices are less likely to experience depression, with those who attend religious services regularly reporting significantly lower depression levels. Additionally, a study published in the Archives of Suicide Research found that individuals with higher levels of religious involvement were 62 percent less likely to attempt suicide compared to those with lower levels of involvement. Even for people who are not religious, being part of an involved community can boost mental health and provide vital social connections.
This piece is not meant to force you to join a church or choose a specific faith, but rather to open your eyes to the fact that churches can offer valuable community. We live in a war-ridden world that’s beginning to feel a lot like the chaotic medieval times. We should be doing everything in our power to address the mental health crisis facing this generation, particularly in progressive communities like Colorado College. If your Sundays are open, consider exploring a church. You might be surprised to find a supportive, inclusive and transformative space.