The generation born in the two decades after World War II has long touted itself as the revolutionary religious demographic that grew up dutifully sitting in the pews before rebelling — as they did in music, politics, art and the bedroom — and freeing American culture from its hidebound superstitions. OK, boomer. Examining the data Read more
As Millennials reach a new stage of life – the oldest among them will turn 39 this year – a clearer picture of how members of this generation are establishing their own families is coming into view. Previous research highlights not only the sheer size of the Millennial generation, which now surpasses Baby Boomers as Read more
It is often said that we live in a godless age – that Western society is secular and “post-Christian.” In fact, something more nuanced is happening: we remain “religious” but spirituality is both personal and elusive – and outside the institutional status quo. We live in a godless age. Don’t we? The dominant cultural narrative Read more
Today’s millennials are in many ways caught between a rock and a hard place, at least when it comes to traditional religious observance. On the one hand, they’re disillusioned with their parents’ religious traditions, which have failed to provide them with a coherent account of meaning and purpose in the world. On the other hand, Read more
After a break-up, people could easily lose touch with their ex, who could move or change phone numbers. Tracking them down, sans Google or social media, was at least somewhat difficult. Today, that has changed. An ex may be far from one’s mind, until a photo of their wedding, or baby, or recent vacation pops Read more
Millennials don’t value patriotism, family and religion as passionately as previous generations, according to a new survey. “The values that Americans say define the national character are changing, as younger generations rate patriotism, religion and having children as less important to them than did young people two decades ago,” Wall Street Journal reporter Chad Day Read more
Anthony Graffagnino describes himself spiritually as both frustrated and curious. A Pentecostal turned Unitarian, the 28-year-old Graffagnino said he’s had his fill with “stale and dead expressions of faith that I saw really doing nothing to better the people around me or the world around me.” Discovering the Christian mystical tradition through the work of Read more
A Boston Herald story announced, “Millennials making their way back to church,” and focused on Catholic parishes in Boston that are seeing more millennials at Mass. The report gave me an idea: Why not ask millennials that I know what attracts — or repels — them from parish life? If my focus group ruled the Read more
Evangelising others is wrong, say 47 percent of Christian millennials. A study conducted by the Barna Group found Christian millennials think it is especially wrong to share their personal beliefs with someone of a different faith “in hopes they will share the same faith.” Read more
Many people are pessimistic about Millennials, but I believe the next generation is poised to transform the culture (and the world) for the good. For many churches and leaders, however, Millennials are (to borrow from Winston Churchill) “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” I would agree with Churchill’s statement on some levels, but the Read more