FFRF awarded Ta’Liyah $300.

By Ta’Liyah Darden

Sociologists and culture watchers have noticed a noteworthy trend in recent years: Generation Z, or people born roughly between the mid-1990s and the mid-2010s, is frequently described as the least religious generation in contemporary history. There have been many discussions and disputes about this move away from traditional religious identification and activity.

The extraordinary access to information made possible by the digital age is one of the main factors behind Gen Z’s waning religiosity. In contrast to earlier generations, who might have relied on conventional sources of religious authority and knowledge, Gen Z has grown up with access to an almost infinite amount of information. With a few clicks on a computer or a few taps on a smartphone, individuals can access different spiritual sources, challenge preconceived notions and investigate several points of view. Because of their easy access to knowledge, Gen Z members are more capable of questioning religious ideas and practices, which has increased their skepticism and, in many cases, led them to abandon organized religion.

Furthermore, a great emphasis on diversity and inclusivity shapes the ideals of Gen Z.

This generation may regard conventional religious institutions as exclusive or discriminating, and they are more likely to value equality and acceptance. For many members of Gen Z, issues like racial justice, gender equality and LGBTQ-plus rights are major concerns. They may discover that certain religious practices and beliefs run counter to these ideals. They might therefore choose more open-minded and progressive belief systems in place of organized religion as a result of feeling alienated from or disillusioned with it.

Another important aspect that is contributing to the diminishing religiosity of Gen Z is the rise of secularization. There has been a steady fall in religious engagement and adherence to conventional religious norms in many societies. This larger tendency is a reflection of how morality, spirituality and community are being viewed in culture more and more. Growing up in a culture that is becoming more and more secular, Gen Z is impacted by this cultural change, which causes many of them to doubt the value and applicability of organized religion in their life.

Additionally, a major influence on how Gen Z views religion is individualism. This generation may be less likely to follow strict religious teachings that prescribe how people should live their lives because they place a higher priority on authenticity and personal autonomy. Rather than following religious establishments’ dictates, they place more value on self-expression and self-discovery as a means of pursuing spirituality.

Another aspect that contributes to Gen Z’s disinterest in organized religion is social and political. Trust in traditional religious authorities has been undermined by the politicization of religion, scandals within religious institutions, and tensions between religious convictions and progressive social goals. Organized religion is viewed as antiquated or unnecessary by many members of Gen Z, especially in light of current social and political discussions.

Furthermore, Gen Z is clearly witnessing the emergence of the “spiritual but not religious” issue. This generation has a large number of self-identified spiritual seekers who choose a more varied and individualized approach to spirituality over established religion. In their spiritual journeys, they could include aspects from many religious traditions, as well as techniques like yoga, mindfulness and meditation.

Moreover, the diminishing religious affiliation of Gen Z can be attributed to postponed adult milestones. Events like getting married, having children and owning a property have historically been linked to higher religious participation. But many members of Gen Z are delaying getting married, beginning families later, and postponing becoming homeowners, which is causing them to experience delayed adult transitions. The sense of connection to religious organizations, which have historically been important in these milestones, may decline as a result of this delay in reaching traditional markers of adulthood.

Though organized religion might be losing ground on this generation, spirituality is still a very personal and developing part of life for a large number of Gen Zers. The influence of spirituality and religion on the construction of generational identities will surely change further as society develops.

Ta’Liyah, 19, attends Fort Valley State University with a major in nursing.

“Outside of school, I dedicate my time to volunteering at Hope Haven, a nonprofit organization close to my heart,” Ta’Liyah writes. “My passion lies in nursing, particularly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where I aspire to make a difference in the lives of newborns and their families.”