A recent study from the Arizona Christian University Cultural Research Center finds that millennials have quite a different relationship with faith and religion compared to previous generations.
The study surveyed the philosophies and worldviews of American adults, dividing them into four generations: millennials, Gen X, baby boomers and builders. Each generation had different views with certain practices and beliefs, such as abortion, karma, what defines success in life and how they view the Bible. It may come as a surprise to some that 43% of millennials represented in the study stated that they do not know, care or believe if God exists. This is a significant increase from the 28% of boomers who don’t believe or care about God.
What does this mean for millennials and religion?
The millennials, defined in the study as those born between 1984 and 2002, are now all adults and part of the main working force in the United States now. Their worldviews and beliefs will have a significant impact on the future as they pass their views on to their children and shape the beliefs of the generations to come.
If many of them don’t care about faith or religion, could this mean that faith in Jesus will decline? It’s possible. But it’s not our job to force anyone to believe anything. All we can do is hold on to our own faith, love God, love others and trust that God has a plan.
At the time of writing this, the majority of Americans still consider themselves Christian. All of those who do can open their hearts to God and ask Him what they can do to show His love to the world instead of trying to force people into church, which is how Christanity has felt for too many people for years.
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