Religious student prays that antics will stop in college

Dear Harlan:

I'm pretty religious and always have been. I'm going to a Christian college, but I'm not dumb enough to seriously think that means it will be a safe, sober and Savior-loving campus all the time. I'm afraid this might lead to issues with a nonreligious roommate. I don't shove my religion on others, but I do have personal beliefs and standards.

I'm not OK with others having sex in front of me, or even making out, for that matter. I don't drink or do drugs, and never plan to, and would prefer if it never happened in my room. I have to wake up early to get to church on Sunday mornings, and don't want to be kept up on Saturday night. I got labeled a "Jesus freak" in high school. The title doesn't really bother me, but getting my Bible and catechism stolen did. I'm afraid these antics won't stop just because it's college. 

Religiously Concerned

Dear Religiously Concerned:

No way, antics don't stop in college. Antics just get more complicated and happen later at night. Let's all pray that your roommate likes to pray as much as you do, and as early as you do. But I would expect the antics to continue. I'd also expect to get woken up at night, have strangers in your room and sinful activities down the hall. But as long as you have a community outside your room, you'll be fine. I'm kind of hoping you live with someone who's different from you. It's better this way. Then you can be exposed to things you are so against. You might be surprised by what you discover. Sure, your roommate might not love your Bible-lovin' lifestyle, but one day, living with a kind, tolerant, sober, God-loving person might help your roommate and the people performing the antics. Should these people find themselves in a place in life where they need faith, remembering how tolerant, forgiving and accepting you were of them will guide them to the life you already know and love.