Editor’s note: Written by a high school student from the Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative, this article was published inside the July 12-25 print edition of the Norwood News as part of Bronx Youth Heard, a publication of the initiative. The Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative is a program of the Norwood News and Mosholu Preservation Corporation.

With her head down and eyes closed during the temple prayers, Sally Dhanai looks like the model Hindu. But, really, what the 17-year-old Norwood resident is thinking during the evening service is: “This is long and boring.”

“Honestly, I’m not as religious as my parents,” said Sally, a senior at Bronx Leadership Academy. “When they tell me to do things related to my religion, I just do it.”

Like many teens, Sally differs from her parents when it comes to the religion she was raised in. While some teens decide to follow the beliefs of their families, for others, it can be a source of conflict.

Bronx high school student Ian Pechecko says being forced to go to church often ends in a fight.

“It’s just like arguments about, ‘You have to go, blah blah blah,’” said Ian, regarding the debates between him and his parents. “When the priest comes out and asks for money, you feel pressured to give,” he said. “You feel pressured to do anything.”

Pressure remains a large factor for some teens. Other people reject religion because they find it hypocritical.

“Sometimes people, who are the most religious, are the most judgmental and contradicting,” said Shana Marie, 26, a Bronx resident.

But some who say they didn’t find value in religion as a teen, grow up to appreciate it as an adult.

When Joanna Quirindongo was a teen she didn’t understand why she had to attend church. “It’s more of an obligation when you’re young,” she said. Although now, as a 25-year-old teacher, she said she learned a lot from the spiritual aspects of her youth.

To some, religion can act as a pathway to a better overall attitude and value system. A few adults insisted the current teen generation lacks discipline.

“I feel we’re losing our values, not only in religion but everywhere,” said Bronx resident Rosanna Marte, who was raised Catholic.

Some say that the decision is best to be left to the teens themselves.

“Ultimately it has to be your decision,” said Greg Faulkner, chief of staff for Bronx City Councilman Fernando Cabrera. “There’s a point where you need to be making your own decisions. For a lot of parents it’s a fear. They are looking for a safe haven for you.”