Millennial generation turning away from religion

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has published its latest survey of religious belief and participation, which looks at the Millennial generation (currently 16-29 years old). The results document a clear trend away from religion for the Millennials relative to other age cohorts. In particular, 25% do not endorse any system of religious belief; 47% express doubts about the existence of God; 55% say that religion is not important in their lives, and 67% attend worship services infrequently or never. These are the lowest levels of belief, affiliation, and participation of any generation since the surveys began in the 1970s.

The results lend credibility to other surveys, books, and blogs that have raised alarm about a "lost generation." This is a valuable wake-up call, but the real question is whether their elders are listening. I doubt it.

The Pew study did not delve into why religion is losing favor among the young, but it does offer clues. Four major differences between the Millennial generation and older generations were found on social issues.

Young people are more accepting of homosexuality and evolution than are older people. They are also more comfortable with having a bigger government, and they are less concerned about Hollywood threatening their values.

These young folks are wise beyond their years. They are not buying the idea that homosexuality, science, and "Hollywood" (code for popular culture) are the root of all evil in our society. Instead, they are having to confront the reality of a much lower standard of living than previous generations. They are struggling to find jobs in an economy that has not created living wage jobs for over a decade. About half of recent college graduates are unemployed or have taken jobs that do not require a college education. They do not want an enemies list. They want practical solutions and help during tough times.

And who can blame them for not finding meaning and purpose in religion. In our society where Christianity is the dominant religion, the most visible displays of religiosity have been more likely to repulse than inspire. Jesus taught that we are to be beacons of love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and spiritual wealth. Yet we find religious authorities that want to sing the praises of the sacred "free market" and stone anyone they deem sexual sinners.

Maybe we need to get back to basics . . .



The young have not lost their way. We have.