Both Christians and secular news organizations alike have commented on the growing trend of Christians fleeing traditional churches. Some have even reported the growing trend of people becoming “less religious”, but “more spiritual”. Christians have lamented the trend of younger families fleeing churches. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released a poll and findings that indicated some surprising information. Do you want the good news or the bad news? I give it to you together:
BAD NEWS: More young adults claim to be atheists
GOOD NEWS: As they grow older, they become more religious (one interpretation)
The study found:
Religion is a far bigger part of the lives of older adults than younger adults. Two-thirds of adults ages 65 and older say religion is very important to them, compared with just over half of those ages 30 to 49 and just 44% of those ages 18 to 29. Moreover, among adults ages 65 and above, a third (34%) say religion has grown more important to them over the course of their lives, while just 4% say it has become less important and the majority (60%) say it has stayed the same. Among those who are over 65 and report having an illness or feeling sad, the share who say that religion has become more important to them rises to 43%.
When you read the full study, you will also read about how young adults claim to be atheists, while older Americans claim to be more religious. Pew found:
| Age Group | % Atheists / Agnostics/ No Religion |
| 18-29 | 25% |
| 30-49 | 18% |
| 50-64 | 13% |
| 65+ | 7% |
Depending how you look at it, the youth of the country (under 25) are not following suit with their parents and grandparents in terms of their religious participation. Or, the older Americans become, the more they are interested in religion. One thing is clear: older Americans see religion as being important. This is our “aging congregations” trend showing through the mainline churches.
Clearly, Christians and churches are missing the mark when it comes to young people. What is about church that they do not like? Do younger Americans change their tune when they grow older? I would like to think so. As people grow older, their perspective on life changes with the advent of children, life changes, and dealing with grief and loss. What I would like to see out of this study is the break up of the Atheist/Agnostic category. There is a big difference between not believing in God and believing in a high power.
Fear not churches, young people are going to church, just maybe not till they begin having children. They are out there. You have to find them and show them the power of the Gospel and teach them what God, church, Christ, and community has to offer them.
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