Communities with a shrinking and aging church demographic can look to the growing number of college students with negative perceptions of organized religion and faith. According to a national study, 40 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds have opted out of church — 20 percent of whom have been active Christians all their lives and grew up going to church. Contrary to what you might expect, however, the forces driving college students away from church have little to do with faith and theology.

These young people said they rejected Christianity because of the behaviors and hypocrisies of fellow Christians, not because of theological reasons.

"I've had close friends who have recently become more faithful to Christianity, and I have felt they have judged me and not wanted to associate with me for the lifestyle I lead," said Sam Anderson, junior in nutrition and kinesiology. "Everyone should have something to believe in, but some are just more forward about it and try to influence you to change your own beliefs."

The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., just recently finished a sermon series called "When Christians Get it Wrong." The series focused on major issues like the hypocrisy of Christians, religion vs. science and homosexuality.

"I think many young people are interested in Jesus and what he taught," said senior pastor Adam Hamilton. "The perception of 85 percent of young adults who do not go to church is that Christians are hypocrites. By that they don't mean that they take a sip of beer once in awhile. By this they mean that they don't find them admirable, but off-putting. Some Christians they have known come across as self-righteous, acting judgmental and morally superior while oblivious to their own sins and failings."

Hamilton's statements seem to indicate that Christians themselves are often to blame for pushing people away from the church through their actions and words, but that's not the end of the story. According to Hamilton, Christians do get it right a lot of the time. Organized religion is responsible for countless humanitarian services, including feeding and clothing the homeless and lending a helping hand to those in need.

But not all students drift away from their religious upbringings. About a third of K-State students are involved in more than 30 different religious organizations on campus and in the community.

Many students have seen the sidewalk "chalk wars" between Christian activists and Individuals for Freethought. Reflected in the Fourum are one liners from both groups and third parties representing the kaleidoscope of beliefs on campus.

There is a lesson to learn for everyone here. Christians and other organized religions need to understand that while the reasons for opting out of church and religion vary, the primary reason is not about theology or faith; it's about the actions of people who represent the faith. On the other hand, those who have opted out of faith because of the poor behavior of a few individuals need to put this in perspective with all the good work attributed to Christians and organized religion. We all need to be less judgmental toward those with different beliefs.