Today’s Teens Approach Religion in Their Own Way

A recent story by the Huffington Post takes a look at the unique religious standing of today’s teens. Some see millennials as too shallow and self-absorbed to be abele to understand and accept the nuances of religion. However, while this group isn’t seen as overtly religious, that doesn’t mean that they do not have a spiritual side.

Millennials, defined as young people between the ages of 18 and 24, approach religion very differently than the generations before them. They are less prone to ritual and outward practice, but they do tend to more thoughtful and spiritual when it comes to religion. They may not participate in the ceremony of religion as much as their parents and grandparents do or did.

Some of today’s teen may break from the religious traditions, including going to church or attending temple services. However, they do meditate and contemplate the subject of spirituality and a higher power.

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that among this group, more than one third identify as not being affiliated with any one religion. This has led to them being called the religious “nones.” Their are more nones now than there were a generation ago, which suggests that the religious traditions and practices upheld and embraced by baby boomers and gen-Xers are not being carried on by their children and grandchildren.

A lot of teens today are more interested in social programs than worship services. Many of them see working with and helping their fellow man as a spiritual endeavor. While teens today represent a large departure from rigid religious practices, that does not necessarily make them atheists, or people who don’t believe in god at all. Instead, many of them identify as agnostics, or those who claim neither a disbelief or belief in God. They just don;e know, and they believe there is no way for anyone to know for sure if God exists.