Gen Z and Religion: Contrasting Views

The Barna Group has conducted a survey of teens aged 13-18, to assess their attitudes toward religion. They found that the percentage of this group that identifies as atheist (13%) is double that of the U.S. adult population. Only 59% identify as some sort of Christian, compared with 78% of Boomers.

Generations were defined as follows:
GEN Z were born 1999 to 2015. (Only teens 13 to 18 are included in this study.)
MILLENNIALS were born 1984 to 1998.
GEN X were born 1965 to 1983.
BOOMERS were born 1946 to 1964.
ELDERS were born before 1946.

(The full report is available here).

This would seem to contradict a 2016 study showing a different trend:

a 2016 U.S. study found that church attendance during young adulthood was 41% among Generation Z, compared to 18 percent for Millennials at the same ages, 21 percent of Generation X, and 26 percent of baby boomers

(Wikipedia cites Hope, J (2016). “Get your campus ready for Generation Z”. Dean & Provost. 17 (8): 1–7.).

Time will tell which of these portraits will be most accurate. This is a generation which hasn’t yet passed through the crucibles of college, work, and family. In any case, it is our challenge and solemn mission as Christians to reach as many as possible in each generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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