This collection of personal stories explores the relationship between young people and religion in Hungary. It delves into the significance of religious objects in their homes and examines whether they hold genuine meaning or are merely decorative. The individuals interviewed express diverse perspectives on faith, ranging from those who actively practice a specific religion to others who explore spirituality in their own unique ways. They share their experiences with organized religious communities, personal beliefs, and the search for meaning in their lives. From questioning traditional religious structures to finding solace in art or personal spirituality, each person navigates their own path in balancing a mostly Judeo-Christian faith with the realities of modern life.
“As a child, I used to find going to church a bit of a burden. Being religious at my age was not cool but I was able to fit it into my image. I can give God the looks, the environment, or style I want; the bottom line is that I believe in something divine that is supporting me. I need to believe in something, for sure; I couldn’t go on if there was just air out there. There has to be someone up there, whom I can talk to; I don’t want to be alone.”
“As a child, I used to find going to church a bit of a burden. Being religious at my age was not cool but I was able to fit it into my image. I can give God the looks, the environment, or style I want; the bottom line is that I believe in something divine that is supporting me. I need to believe in something, for sure; I couldn’t go on if there was just air out there. There has to be someone up there, whom I can talk to; I don’t want to be alone.”
Dennis, after exploring various religions and meditating from a young age, identifies as an atheist. Meditation provides him with insights into life, and he views questions about belief in a supernatural god as secondary.
“I found religion for the first time when we arrived in the US, and a Christian family was helping us. They baptized me immediately, just to make sure; who knows what’s up with this kid. Then I attended a Jewish secondary school. I did a lot of research. I looked into every religion there is because it’s fascinating. The development of humanity, the collective consciousness, the manipulation of people. But basically I don’t believe in any supernatural god. In the meantime, I’ve realized that I’m an atheist. I’ve been regularly meditating since I was 13 or 14, and these questions, as to whether I believe in something, are beyond me. Essentially, I believe in everything and nothing. Meditation gives you an insight into life, and these questions become secondary.”
“Before, especially in high school, I was confused by the many interpretations of religion, I experienced a great religious cavalcade. I learned what I had to learn in class, but living it was a different matter, I had to learn the doctrines of the Faith Church. I also go to a religious education class, for example, taught by a priest. The Gospel of John was the topic last time, it was about love, and I felt comfortable with it, regardless of the priest speaking. Now I can clarify different things better in myself, I can read a little into everything.”
“It is important for me to have added meaning to my life, which I can believe in and act on, but not by standing straight and repressed, and by existing like that. I feel like an outsider, or rather like standing in between. I live like others at 29, I drink and party with my friends, but at the same time the attachment to God constitutes a crucial part of my life. To be in touch with ourselves and with God is more important; everything else is secondary.”
“Theoretically, everyone in my family is Christian, although the majority of our ancestors were Jews. They deny that and only talk about it in secret, especially my father’s family. He was a very devoted Christian pupil of Pannonhalma High School. I was raised Christian, too; but I visit Tel Aviv as well.”
“Theoretically, everyone in my family is Christian, although the majority of our ancestors were Jews. They deny that and only talk about it in secret, especially my father’s family. He was a very devoted Christian pupil of Pannonhalma High School. I was raised Christian, too; but I visit Tel Aviv as well.”
“A pupil gave me a coloring. What else could reinforce you when facing difficulties, if not a smiling Christ on the cross? If even Jesus smiles on the cross, what am I whining about?”
“As a result, when I stand in front of children and teach them about Jesus and God, I feel I have to radiate Him. I’ve placed this drawing in front of the mirror to remind myself during morning preparations of this idea, to be aware of what I am representing.”
“I’ve received a calendar with handsome priests from my roommate as a present. It’s a surreal idea, making a calendar with handsome priests who live in celibacy.”
“For me, the icon is a synonym for home. My Orthodox grandmother’s flat is full of them, and she even presents me with one for each holiday. They comprise the warmness, the best home cooking, and the laughs that follow family quarrels. I’m not religious, but still, I fill my walls with them, probably because of this feeling of home.”
“For me, the icon is a synonym for home. My Orthodox grandmother’s flat is full of them, and she even presents me with one for each holiday. They comprise the warmness, the best home cooking, and the laughs that follow family quarrels. I’m not religious, but still, I fill my walls with them, probably because of this feeling of home.”
Zsófi shares her ongoing search for spiritual connection, exploring various communities and attending Bible classes out of genuine interest. However, she feels hesitant about formalizing her faith through baptism and finds comfort in her material possessions.
“I’m constantly searching. I believe in a higher power, or God, I’ve attended Bible classes because I was interested, but I’m not baptized and I don’t think I ever will be. I’ve tried several communities, but none of those felt like my path. My material possessions make me feel comfortable, or I just like them for one reason or another.”
“I’m constantly searching. I believe in a higher power, or God, I’ve attended Bible classes because I was interested, but I’m not baptized and I don’t think I ever will be. I’ve tried several communities, but none of those felt like my path. My material possessions make me feel comfortable, or I just like them for one reason or another.”
“I’m constantly searching. I believe in a higher power, or God, I’ve attended Bible classes because I was interested, but I’m not baptized and I don’t think I ever will be. I’ve tried several communities, but none of those felt like my path. My material possessions make me feel comfortable, or I just like them for one reason or another.”
Éva Szombat is a photographer based in Budapest, Hungary. She got her MA in photography from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), and studied visual communication at ESAG Penninghen in Paris. Her works examine the phenomenon of happiness and mental well-being, and how they can manifest in people. She previously released two books on the subject: Happiness, and Practitioners. Her works were displayed in New York, Jerusalem, Milan, Lisbon, Vienna, Geneva, Bogota among other places. The series I Want Orgasms, Not Roses won the Robert Capa Grand Prize in 2021, later published by Kehrer Verlag in collaboration with Everybody Needs Art in 2022. She is currently attending doctoral school and teaching photography at MOME.
