Gen Z Drops Christian Ties: A Shift in Religious Landscape
Continuation of Young Generations Abandoning Christianity Persists
In a noteworthy development, Gen Z seems to be drifting away from Christianity compared to older generations. Here's a lowdown on what's causing this shift.
According to the latest findings from the Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape Study, only 45% of Gen Z identifies as Christian - a 10% drop compared to a 2014 survey. This is a significant decline compared to 70% of Gen X respondents and more than half of millennials.
Gregory Smith, Senior Associate Director of Religion at Pew, attributes this shift to a generational trend. He states that as older, more religious cohorts pass away, they're replaced by younger generations that lean less towards religion than their parents and grandparents. This pattern has stayed consistent as each generation ages, he adds.
The overall Christian population in the US stands at 63%, a decrease of 15% since Pew's 2007 study. However, Smith notes that the numbers may be leveling out for now. For lasting stability, either Gen Z would have to grow more religious as they age or future generations would have to embrace religion more, according to Smith.
Interestingly, 65% of Gen Z identifies as spiritual. While more than 80% of Gen X and older generations also claim spirituality, only 51% of Americans hold a positive view of religious institutions. Sociologist Penny Edgell believes that spirituality is flowing out of religious institutions and into other areas like workplace wellness programs or community events once deemed secular.
Approximately half of Gen Z considers religion as irrelevant, an increase of 15% from the 2014 survey. Around a quarter of Gen Z believes religion causes more harm than good.
University of Minnesota sociology professor Edgell calls the future religious landscape "lumpy." She sees an emerging question about how those who remain religious differ from those who choose not to, including their patterns of friendships and political involvement.
Gen Z tends to grow up in families where religion played a role, just like the general population. But 60% report that religion wasn't personally important to them growing up, and more than half claim they're not religious at all now.
Now, let's talk about the factors contributing to this shift in religious beliefs among Gen Z.
Factors Contributing to the Decline of Christianity Among Gen Z
1. Changing Social and Cultural Norms
- Increased Secularization: Younger generations are more likely to gravitate towards secularism, with a decreasing emphasis on religious affiliation. This trend can be attributed to broader societal changes, such as the increased emphasis on individualism and personal freedom.
- Diverse Spiritual Practices: Gen Z is more prone to identify as "spiritual" rather than religious, exploring diverse spiritual practices beyond traditional Christianity.
2. Demographic and Generational Trends
- Generational Decline: Each younger generation has become less religious than the one before it. With 63% of Americans identifying as Christian, only about 45% of Gen Z follows suit, representing a significant decrease from older cohorts like Gen X and Baby Boomers.
- Aging and Replacement: As older, more religious generations pass away, they're replaced by younger, less religious cohorts, contributing to a decline in religious affiliation.
3. Influence of Technology and Media
- Access to Information: Gen Z has easy access to a vast array of information and perspectives, which can lead to apprehension towards traditional religious beliefs and practices. The internet and social media offer platforms for varied viewpoints, often challenging traditional religious narratives.
4. Perceived Disconnect with Modern Values
- Values and Beliefs: Gen Z tends to prioritize values such as equality, diversity, and inclusivity. If these values are not perceived as aligned with Christianity, it can lead to disaffection among younger generations.
5. Recent Trends Towards Stability or Rebound
- Despite the decline, there are signs of stability or even slight increases in religious involvement among some young people, particularly young men. However, this trend doesn't necessarily imply a return to traditional religious practices among the masses.
Originally published by Capital News Service, University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism, 03.25.2025, republished under fair use for news reporting purposes.
Gen Z's lifestyle and attitudes towards education and self-development could play a role in the shift away from Christianity. For instance, Gen Z tends to favor individualism and personal freedom (changing social and cultural norms), and they're more likely to pursue diverse spiritual practices (diverse spiritual practices). Moreover, the easy access to information through technology and media (influence of technology and media) allows Gen Z to question and challenge traditional religious beliefs, contributing to this shift in religious landscape.
