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Young Americans more loyal to religion than previous generation

A new report published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion finds that younger Americans are more likely to be loyal to religion than Baby Boomers, reports MNN.

The age group referenced in the study is between 36 and 50.

Researchers found that Generation X may have been raised in an atmosphere opposite to that of the Boomers.

Why? Research suggests the appeal may come from a rejection by the Boomer parent of a more traditional religious culture. The study also concluded that the younger generation was more likely loyal to religion because it was less restrictive than the more conservative style in their parent's churches.

Evangelist Sammy Tippit says each generation naturally forms its own identity. In this case, the study's findings point to the strengths of the younger generation building out of the weakness of their elders.

But a question posed from the study results remains unanswered. Tippit says, "There is a great gap of difference in a personal faith and being religious. ‘Religious' refers to the outward things that you do. You can be religious and have no faith."

Does the study ignore the major differences between religion and faith? How deep does faith go? And won't a spiritual legacy transcend a religious legacy?

Following Christ is more than religion. It's a way of life. Tippit says the study addresses the shifts in spirituality. However, the conclusions point to political backlash and conservatism that drove the 1980s into the 90s.

Tippit explains that "what they're talking about is people going from religion to secularism. Secularism leaves people empty. What has to happen is that those who have genuine faith need to be expressing, loving, caring, and sharing their faith with the world. "

The Great Commission falls on all members the body of Christ to share the hope of salvation, to disciple, and to mentor new believers. Tippit says, "There is a generation out there who has no clue what the Bible is about, or what Christianity is about, because they've grown up in a secular environment. If we can show them the love and the grace of Christ and who He is and what He's done, they will respond."

The researcher suggests that "if people are not happy with one religion now, they can easily switch to a different denomination or faith." However, Tippit suggests, "Perhaps what this report is saying is evidence that this generation (that has been secularized) is saying, ‘Hey, I'm looking for something very authentic and real, and once I find it, I'm committed to it.'"

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TAGS: USA Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion Baby Boomers Generation X religious culture

[08/11/2010]

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