While Boomer and Millennial belief in God seems to be on a slow decline, Gen-Z is turning to their internal faith to help keep them afloat.
The rise of social media has isolated teens and, in many cases, correlates with depression in our younger populations. The COVID-19 pandemic only furthered this separation and disconnected us from our innate need to connect with others.
Despite all odds, Gen-Z seems to be opening up to their saving grace, with a study recently showing an uptick in their faith.
Here is a perfect case of this: what started as a normal Wednesday morning prayer at Asbury University turned into a global sensation as thousands of students flocked to be a part of what ended up as a 16-day prayer session.
This was completely unplanned. The student body honestly didn’t know what to do when people from all over wouldn’t stop pouring into their doors.
They had many people take turns preaching to the ever-growing mass of people, including Zach Meerkab, an assistant soccer coach. He spoke about the difference between God’s love and the “radically poor love” these students have most likely been experiencing through other people. Human love can be diluted by narcissism, manipulation, and selfishness. They have found otherwise with their internal love and faith. This was very eye opening for these desperately lost people.
Why does mainstream media portray otherwise?
Ah yes, Gen-Z’s best friend, mainstream media. Why is there a fad for hating on young adults who are growing up at a disadvantage due to boomers’ regulations? Our generation’s belief in a higher power can be seen as almost a retaliation against these oppressive older populations.
The study also correlated how the percentage of older believers can diminish or increase the percentage of younger ones. They found that in populations with a highly religious boomer population, there was a decrease in Gen-Zers. Interestingly enough, the opposite occurred when boomers didn’t have traditional beliefs.
The generational divides globally have never been more divisive, as young adults are finding it harder and harder to survive with the rising cost of living. Many perceive boomers as perpetuating this phenomenon because most boomers hold the majority of the global wealth and positions of power.
Technology & God
Older generations have a massive misconception of Gen-Z: that because we lead technologically equipped lives, we must be retaliating against all that is good. Technology is not inherently evil, and there must be a balance (as with everything). Anything we use has the potential to create a positive or negative experience for us. Our generation is just so used to traversing the digital world that it is our second nature.
In many cases, technology has been used to spread the word to younger generations, such as the movie Jesus Revolution. Released in 2023, this hit movie engaged people of all generations to feel God’s message.
Our beliefs are unconventional. Not nonexistent.
Declining church attendance rates do not necessarily correlate to a declining faith, which is especially the case with Gen-Z. The fault in organized religion is relying on other humans in power to not take advantage of that blind faith.
We can turn inwards and listen to ourselves, engaging in meditation and spiritual practices within our own homes. The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered how we are able to connect with one another, and we are less restricted in the modes we choose to carry these practices out.
Many Gen-Zers have found they can make more individual progress when not confined to a formal setting.
Also, many Gen-Zers claim they are “religious nones” but still believe in a higher power because of the negative connotation that being associated with an organized religion can bring. Many do not like identifying with one specific religion because it limits their beliefs.
We have been called the most progressive and different generation our whole lives. They simply misconstrue us repeatedly. Progression means change, and it means our faith won’t look like the constricting schedule of the past. Gone are the days when we must attend church 3-4 days a week to be able to feel the connection.
Many teens have turned inward to channel something widely called our “Goddess energy.” This correlates to our ability to connect to a higher power internally rather than worshiping an external being traditionally. Being able to tap into your own inner Goddess can help you expand and find fulfillment in your life.
No matter where or how you choose to find yourself, I hope you will join Gen-Z in becoming the most unconventionally spiritual generation!
