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Why Millennials Leave the Faith and How To Bring Us Back

Why Millennials Leave the Faith and How To Bring Us Back

Last updated on: May 22, 2015 at 4:58 pm by Deborah Arca

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Why Millennials Leave the Faith and How To Bring Us Back 2015-05-22T16:58:26+00:00 Deborah Arca

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By Justino Valdez

“I don’t believe millennials are hostile toward Christianity. I believe they just don’t quite understand it well enough.”

Recently, the Pew Research Center released a study titled “America’s Changing Religious Landscape.” The study reported that America is changing — or more accurately, leaving — religious ways and organization. And while Christianity remains dominant as America’s leading faith with 70.6% of the 35,000 persons surveyed claiming themselves to be Christian, it is down nearly eight percentage points from previous identical studies done in 2007. And quite startling to me — and a ‘grave’ concern, personally — are millennials’ response to faith. One-third or more millennials have dissociated themselves from religion and affirmed an unaffiliated stance toward any.

Articles and columnists have since highlighted the case, correlating the data with political indifference and societal culture shift. CNN even headlined their story on the study “Millennials Leaving Church in Droves, Study Finds” when it was first disclosed. As a perceived millennial, a generational young adult between the ages of 18 and 29, I became somewhat conflicted when reading the results, while also experiencing some sort of comfort during so. Comfort knowing a substantial portion of people continued a dedication to their faith among the passing years; yet conflicted knowing my particular age group has increasingly distanced themselves away from belief. I believe this says much about modern Christianity. Today’s Christianity must create a divergent approach to the millennial, and seek to congregate those unwilling and unaffiliated.

But how so? What can possibly be done to alter the momentum of religious and Christian decline here in America, especially regarding the young adult? And is it too late?

The Christian church can do a great amount of advancement in this American culture. As technology rises and social media becomes the trademark source for all news, information, influence, there is no excuse as to why, and how, any denomination of Christianity can persistently be unappealing to the inexperienced man or woman. However, when Christian outreach aims for mere appeal rather than foundational truth and doctrine, there forms a false sense of Christian principle (as what does it exactly mean to be Christian). I don’t advise the Church to imitate the surrounding culture, be it replicating the music, stating the same opinions, or doing what all else is doing for attraction.

With great honestly I can say that many millennials aren’t looking for something new, but rather something real and extraordinary. Something neither fabricated nor enveloped deep in religious monotone; or spoken in phrases that seem overly petty, in redundant fashion. Something that secular philosophy and ideology cannot convey in song or self-approval, such as new age thought has persuaded. Something, rather, that is reflective in the life of the follower.

The common sentimental Christian preaching that “God has a plan for your life” is something that becomes a type of fabricating belief, one that means well but soon ends in confusion and disarray for the millennial (and anyone for that manner). Though we intend to welcome the youthful and college-aged with these words, quite often we raise our shoulders and shake our heads when life doesn’t go accordingly for them. When the millennial begins to ask questions about God and existence, and doesn’t receive the wanted response, what happens then? Converting anyone with a false sense of hope or guarantee isn’t the goal of Christianity; the goal is to create faithful disciples, ones firmly grounded in Christ and on Christ’s standards of holy living (Matthew 28:18-20).

I believe the narrative of American Christianity needs to be reformed into a more authentic, more tangible, and more realistic model. A model that is apparent to the culture roundabout—how to live a Christian life in today’s world in a nonconforming pursuit. A model that answers the difficult questions—why’s and how’s pertaining to societal issues and key viewpoints. A model that is more than a plain “God loves you”—expressly shown in the Christian circle, the love and concern from Christian to Christian (John 13:35). A model that is more action and deed than word and sermon—something overwhelmingly real.

The millennial is bound in adventure, wanderlust, and creative thinking. Christianity shouldn’t look to diminish that beauty within the young, rather Christianity should look to flourish those desires, shaping such into godly character. Too many have heard “you can’t do this or that” but never a clear description why so. We, in Christianity, need to give reasons behind our do’s and don’ts, never assuming someone just knows what, or how, to do.

I understand millennials are given free-choice to explore any religion they choose. And I understand some millennials just do not want to become Christian. However, if Christianity plans to “reel-in” the millennial aged, tactics used decades ago will simply not work. We are millennials. Be honest with us. Be real with us. Accept us as we come and never point the finger at us. Rather, direct us toward Christ who changes all men, and women. Be humble. Answer our questions, even if you don’t know, tell us that. Help us live for God in patience and sincerity.

I don’t believe millennials are in any way hostile toward Christianity. I believe they just don’t quite understand it well enough. As Christians it is our responsibility to articulate impartial explanations for Christ that is responsive to the millennial. The Pew studies weren’t discouraging as they were enlightening. There is ministry to be done, questions to be answered, and Christ is to be articulated. If the church’s approach changes, I believe many millennials will not only comprehend Christianity’s true worth, but be eager to know more about it.

Justino Valdez is an aspiring writer who discusses topics exploring faith, politics, and short stories. You can read more of his original pieces at Justinoism.com.

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