Gen Z Religion Statistics Show That Cute Lessons May Backfire

Gen Z religion statistics

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Gen Z religion statistics often make headlines these days, and rightly so. Unfortunately, a high degree of atheism exists in these young people. Born between 1999 and 2015, Gen Z is the first truly “Post-Christian” cohort. More than any previous generation, its members don’t associate with any religious identity.

Have you considered that how someone teaches Sunday school could create atheist kids? America’s spiritual slide has been happening for decades. Each succeeding generation has seen more and more people who identify as “nones.” These people claim no religious affiliation.

The latest statistics from Barna reveal that Gen Z religion trends continue this downward spiral.

Gen Z Religion Statistics

What percent of Gen Z is Christian? Some findings are as low as two percent! Unfortunately, the percentage of Gen Z that identifies as atheist (13%) is double that of the adult population.

What attracts the next generation to atheism? Surveys of Gen Z religion reveal key reasons:

  • 29 percent – I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil and suffering in the world.
  • 23 percent – Christians are hypocrites.
  • 20 percent – I believe science refutes the Bible.
  • 19 percent – I don’t believe in fairy tales.
  • 15 percent – There are too many injustices in the history of Christianity.
  • 12 percent – I used to go to church, but it’s just not that important anymore.
  • 6 percent – I had a bad experience at church or with a Christian.

Here are more eye-opening findings about Gen Z religion:

  • 37 percent believe it is not possible to know for sure if God is real.
  • 58 percent believe many religions can lead to eternal life.
  • 46 percent say they need factual evidence to support their beliefs.
  • 49 percent says the church seems to reject much of what science tells us about the world.
  • 27 percent say the church is not a safe place to express doubts.
  • 24 percent say the teaching they are exposed to is shallow.

Obviously, we’re failing the next generation. While Gen Z kids are growing up in a post-Christian culture, we’re giving them shallow lessons. Material lacks the substance that will sustain their faith. As a result, we’re creating atheist kids.

Cute Lessons Won’t Help Gen Z’s Faith

While Gen Z kids desperately need to know why the Bible is true, we’re teaching them character traits.

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Dale Hudsonhttp://www.buildingchildrensministry.com/
Dale Hudson has been serving in children's ministry for over 30 years. He is an author, speaker and ministry leader.  He is the founder and director of Building Children's Ministry. BCM helps churches build strong leaders, teams and children's ministries.  (www.buildingchildrensministry.com)

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