Younger and Wiser?

Each generation has its choice - to follow the ways of God or to depart from His principles. Not long after the Israelites came into the promised land, a new generation arose that did not know the Lord.  And, they paid the consequences - they did, as the Bible says, what was right in their own eyes.  It's important that we transmit our Christian faith principles to the next generation.  1st John 2 states:
12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.
13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.

The Barna Group has begun to study the faith habits of teens.  And, there is a main headline that really sticks out.  65% of teens ages 13-17 identify as Christians.  By contrast, 19% identify as "atheist, agnostic or of no faith ."

By contrast, less than half of young adults - between the ages of 18 and 22 - 48% identify as Christians; 37% percent report being "are atheist, agnostic or of no faith ."

So, over a relatively short time span, there is quite a pivot regarding faith matters.  Barna explores the mindset of teens v. Generation Z:

In matters of emotional health and security, teens in the U.S. stand out against their global peers, in both positive and negative respects. They are more likely to say they experience uncertainty and pressure to be successful or perfect. At the same time, they are more likely to feel optimistic and confident. Their emotional profile is generally more vibrant than the global average.

Young adults in the U.S., however, report far higher levels of stress, anxiety and uncertainty, and lower levels of confidence, security and a sense of being believed in or cared for. This compounding anxiety is consistent with what Barna saw among 18–35-year-olds in our research for The Connected Generation.

Barna identifies the tipping point in this way: "Around the ages of 17 and 18, a sense of security and optimism becomes more tempered. Simultaneously, negative emotional health measures climb."  The survey summary notes:

...this research reminds us that U.S. teens face both unique opportunities and distinct challenges. They are more emotionally intense, more spiritually complex and more community-connected than many of their global peers. They embody both the promise and the pressures of American society.

The data also reveals an important responsibility for U.S. communities, churches and leaders. While American teens start with advantages in optimism and community connection, these strengths start to erode as they transition into adulthood. After all, young adults even a couple years older exhibit more signs of emotional strain, spiritual uncertainty and social isolation. Churches and Christian leaders must explore in their context: What are the anchors that can help to steady teens as they grow up?

This research shows the distinct challenges that Gen Z young adults are facing as they make the transition into adulthood - and it appears that the priority of faith practice is getting swept away.  So, individuals and churches can walk with those who are struggling to help provide stability and to provide godly examples for this age group.

And, for the teens, the Barna polling data indicates reason for optimism.  Gen Z is not a lost cause, and we should never regard that generation in that way. I believe God is doing unprecedented work in the younger generations.  We can rejoice in it, and those of us who have been around a longer time period can embrace it and look for ways to contribute to it. While we see mental and emotional challenges, we recognize the hope and security that can be found only in Christ.