Why I Love Being a High School Theology Teacher

Last week when I was reviewing with my high school students for final exams several hands abruptly shot up, and the young men and women eagerly awaited for me to call upon them with huge beaming smiles and looks of anticipation on their faces. I was quite curious as to what they might be up to at that moment. I glanced their way with an uplifted brow, and with a bit of hesitation invited them to answer their questions one at a time. 

One of them blurted out in a loud voice, “Why do you want to teach us religion?” Before I could begin to answer the question another student quickly added, “Why would you change from teaching science to religion, aren’t the two opposed to one another?” They were aware that I had taught science in a public high school prior to teaching theology in their Catholic school. With eager eyes gazing upon me, they were practically jumping out of their seats waiting for a response.