How do we decide what we believe and value? Usually we believe something when we are given proof. Sometimes we still don't believe it. When someone tells us something, they usually tell us their reason or proof for believing it. We think about it and come up with our own opinion on that topic, whether we choose to believe it or not. The same process happens in religion.
Everyone has their own beliefs and values, and only they themselves can choose to change them. In the book Godless, the author shows that in life, you have to be careful what you portray with your actions. Jason led his friends to think that he really believed in the "chutengodian" religion with the things he said and the way he acted about it. When Jason told his friends that they should climb the water tower with him, he made it seem that he didn't care about getting in trouble. When Henry; another charecterin the book started breaking open the hatch to the water tank, they thought that they shouldn't be scared of getting in trouble, so they saw it as a good idea. Once they had their own opinion on it, they weren't listening to Jason anymore.

When they got in trouble, I think it was Jason's fault, because he led them into doing wrong. People ultimately make their own decisions, and they are responsible for their own actions. You can only give them an idea, it is their choice to use it or not. In the book The Gospel According to Larry,the author shows through Larry all the pointless things we do in our lives to get distracted from what really matters. Josh was leading people into doing better things and helping out in society through his successful website. A person who used the username "betagold" continuously antagonized Josh (Larry) about not giving up his identity. Josh felt that his anonymous identity was an important element for the website. Even after Josh explains this, betagold still decided to meddle and expose Josh as Larry. People can get so caught up in fame and money that they violate others' basic boundaries and privacy, just so they themselves can gain. Larry told people that they shouldn't get caught up in fame and publicity, and focus on more important things in life. Even when you tell people what they should do, it is still their decision whether to change their ways of acting or not.

These two books show how you need to be aware of what people will do on their own, regardless of what you say or do. You need to make sure you are leading them in the right direction, even if they decide to do something on their own. It is always better to make sure you are doing the right thing, because you are always responsible for your own actions. Everyone has their own beliefs and values, and only they themselves can choose to change them. My mom always tells us kids, I can't make you do what is right when you grow up. I can lead by example now and hope that you follow the good I have done in my life. We have a choice to make right or wrong. To have negative consequences or positive? Think about what eyes are watching you to make the right choice?

Rebeccah is a 13 year old who does not settle for second best. She believes is setting the bar high in order to hold herself accountable to those who she looks up to. When she is not involved in her studies she loves to snowboard, listen to music, dance and attend church.