Religion and Gen Z
Timeline of generations in the Western world, Author Cmglee, (CC BY-SA 4.0 International, GNU Free Documentation License)
Indications are that Gen Z is finding religion [1]. There seem to be multiple reasons for this [2].
- Loneliness has become an epidemic in America – among young people, in particular. The social aspect of church is appealing. Cancel culture has negative consequences. By contrast, the assumption is that “no one can reject you” in church.
- Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) have as a whole moved away from religion. Some 30% of Americans now view themselves as atheists or agnostics (the so called “nones” on surveys about religion). The move toward religion by Gen Zers (those born between 1997 and 2012) may reflect the younger generation’s rebellion.
- Covid raised the issue of mortality. The young tend to believe they will live forever. Covid cast some doubt on that.
There is a gender gap in this trend. More men than women are returning to church. Nearly 2 of every 3 Gen Z women believe religious institutions do not treat men and women equally [3]. Almost 1 in 3 Gen Z women now identify as LGBTQIA+ [4].
The concerns of Gen Zers include: finances, future economic stability, social media pressures, social isolation, political upheaval, gun violence, and climate change [5][6][7][8][9]. Despite their outward appearance of confidence, anxiety (including social anxiety) and depression are increasingly common among young people.
Christianity, of course, speaks to all these and more. But it is not a social club meant to ease loneliness and soothe financial worries. Nor is it defined by specific settings — whether involving gothic architecture or contemporary music, fog machines, stadium-style seating, large screen TVs, and a coffee bar.
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (John 3: 3).
The term “Christian” identifies us as followers of Christ, who have a genuine relationship with Him. That signifies a “born again” experience, an acknowledgment of Christ as our Lord and Savior [10][11]. It involves repentance for our sins, and a commitment to serve Christ (not a demand that He serve us).
Only Gen Zers can say if they are actually seeking God. Many things though can draw us to God. The impetus may be a gnawing emptiness inside that sex, wealth, and power cannot fill. It was for St. Augustine of Hippo and others.
The reward is incalculable.
—
[1] Pew Research Center, “Modeling the Future of Religion in America – How US religious composition has changed in recent years”, 9/13/22, https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/09/13/how-u-s-religious-composition-has-changed-in-recent-decades/ .
[2] Vox, “Gen Z Is Finding Religion. Why?” by Christian Paz, 4/25/25, https://www.vox.com/religion/410359/gen-z-zoomer-religion-god-faith-politics-trump-pope?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us.
[3] Michigan State University, School of Journalism, Spartan Newsroom, Bias Busters: Cultural Competence Guides, “Gen Z women leading exodus from churches” by Joe Grimm, 4/28/14, https://news.jrn.msu.edu/culturalcompetence/2024/04/28/gen-z-women-leading-exodus-from-churches/#:~:text=Today’s%20young%20women%20are%20fare%20more%20concerned,believe%20churches%20treat%20men%20and%20women%20equally.
[4] Axios, “Survey: Almost adults identify as LGBTQ+” by Jacob Knutson, 3/13/24, https://www.axios.com/2024/03/13/lgbtq-identity-us-adults-gallup-survey.
[5] Wikipedia, “Gen Z”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Z.
[6] EY (Ernst & Young Global Ltd.), “Financial worry is a top driver of anxiety among Gen Z, new EY study finds” by Jennifer Hemmerdinger, 9/18/23, https://www.ey.com/en_us/newsroom/2023/09/financial-worry-is-a-top-driver-of-anxiety-among-gen-z-new-ey-study-finds#:~:text=Money%20continues%20to%20be%20a,2023%20Gen%20Z%20Segmentation%20Study .
[7] National Social Anxiety Center, “Social Anxiety in Generation Z” by Janee Steele PhD, 8/19/24, https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/2024/08/19/social-anxiety-in-generation-z/#:~:text=Members%20of%20Gen%20Z%20also,to%20people%20on%20social%20media .
[8] Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), “Generation Z and Mental Health”, 3/3/21 (Updated 5/12/24), https://www.aecf.org/blog/generation-z-and-mental-health#:~:text=Among%20Gen%20Z%20young%20adults,for%20depression%20and%20anxiety%20disorders .
[9] Axios, “The loneliest generation: Inside the Gen Z mental health crisis” by Erica Pandey, 2/17/24, https://www.axios.com/2024/02/17/gen-z-depression-anxiety-future-workforce.
[10] Billy Graham Evangelical Association, “Answers – What does it mean to be ‘born again’?”, https://billygraham.org/answers/what-does-it-mean-to-be-born-again.
[11] Christianity, “What Is A Born Again Christian? Bible Meaning Explained”, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/salvation/what-is-a-born-again-christian.html.
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
Exploring this at the moment, Anna. This is helpful. I didn’t know about Gen Alpha! A good week to you!
And to you, Erroll.
Being a minister means, of course, that I am thrilled that young people see value in the church. The church, then, must be the church and not a social club. I pray that every young person will find a place where they can be taught and discipled, and ultimately find their calling to serve.
I, too, pray for our young people. May God draw their hearts to Him.
Amen
Two things stood out in this enlightening post, Anna: 1)That “the assumption is that “no one can reject you” in church” and 2) that “almost 1 in 3 Gen Z women now identify as LGBTQIA+.” It reminded me of 1 Timothy 1:5 where Paul exhorts us to advance God’s work by faith, “the goal of this command [being] love” and Rosaria Butterfield’s testimony after her conversion of how welcoming and hospitable the LGBTQ+ community felt in contrast to how she felt church people were generally speaking. I tried to find the video where I first heard her discuss this, but the best I could find was an article where she says, “And when I became a Christian, I really thought that Christians lived on a starvation diet of hospitality. They didn’t think so, but I thought so. And so my hope is that as Christians see that it’s actually easier to do more than less, we’re going to see the fruit of gospel life being played out in our most desperate neighbors.” https://rts.edu/resources/why-is-true-christian-hospitality-so-important/
Love. Because “God is love” and they’ll know we’re Christians by our love. (cf. 1 John)
Thank you for sharing this, Dora. I, too, believe the church has missed an enormous opportunity in terms of the LGBTQ+ community. There are many who are broken. We are to hate the sin, but love the sinner. For we were all sinners when Christ died for us (Rom. 5: 8).
Generation Z Is without any religione. They’re very selfish and egocentric.
If that is true then surely we must reach out in love and teach them better.
Praying for this next generation
As am I.
Aww
Anna, I’m going to save this post for future reference, since I am always confused about the “Gens.” 🙄
Same here, Ann. 🙂