Release Date: July 29, 2024
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash. The Bible is Transforming Gen Z. Movieguide® Contributor
According to a report by the American Bible Society, 54% of Gen Zers say the Bible has changed their lives.
“More Gen Z adults say the Bible has influenced their lives than in 2023, up 4% from the previous year, according to the State of the Bible report,” Relevant reported.
This contradicts other research that has found Gen Z is the least religious ever, and more likely to identify as atheist or agnostic.
“According to the American Research Center, more than one-third (34%) of Gen Z identify as non-religious (non-religious), a significantly higher percentage than other generations,” Relevant said.
Relevant added: “What’s notable about the ABS research is that the organisation only surveyed Gen Zers aged 18-27, meaning the religious makeup of the younger Gen Z generation could change significantly. Only time will tell.”
ABS data was collected from online interviews with 2,506 adults in the United States and the District of Columbia.
The survey also found that black Americans are the most Bible-conscious and the most church-attending.
Movieguide® reported data last year about Gen Z and the Bible.
According to the 2023 State of the Bible report, Gen Z is still interested in learning about faith, but the number of those willing to do so is declining.
“A majority (56%) of younger Gen Z (ages 18-21) say they are interested in Jesus and the Bible, compared to just 34% of older Gen Z (ages 22-26),” the report revealed. “These percentages are down from 2022, when about 77% of Gen Z adults expressed an interest in the Bible.”
Despite declining interest in faith, data suggests that Gen Z is more interested in the Bible than the general public might think.
Another recent survey found that 44% of Gen Z adults are “very interested in the Bible and Jesus,” with 18- to 21-year-olds more interested than 22- to 26-year-olds, meaning the younger Gen Zers may be more open to faith.
The Gospel Coalition also noted Gen Z’s curiosity about the Bible, stating:
If we want Gen Z to know the truth, we need to be willing to tell them all. Doing so will require many difficult conversations. Working through their doubts and fears will require wisdom, patience, and tolerance. We need to be honest about the cost of following Jesus. And we need to be willing to discuss the cost of not following Jesus…
We have hope in this next generation: they are spiritually open, inquisitive, hungry for deep connection, and yearning for a sense of belonging that we believe only Jesus can fulfill. Raising the next generation will require the church as a whole to not only overcome these obstacles, but also to meet Gen Z in their midst and bring the transforming power of God’s grace into their lives.
… They want the truth. Will we help them find the truth?
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