Arizona Christian University recently completed its latest annual survey which shows Millennials (born 1984-2002) are far less likely to believe in God than previous generations. In fact, each new generation continues to move further and further away from God.
The survey finds, 43% of Millennials “don’t know, care, or believe that God exists”.
That is a stark difference between the 31% of Generation X (born 1965-1983), 28% of Boomers (born 1946-1964), and 27% of Builders (born 1927-1945) that hold the same sentiment.
We should note, as people age and obtain life experience, they do become more conscious of faith. Though the Millennial generation is behind their counterparts at this stage of their life.
The Millennial Spiritual Revolution
Nevertheless, Millennials are more likely than any previous generation to reject Biblical principals and instead embrace more “worldly spiritual perspectives and practices”. In fact, Millennials are far more likely to:
- Consider an abortion performed to reduce personal economic or emotional discomfort to be morally acceptable
- Deem reincarnation a real possibility
- Champion liberal theology
- Be liberal regarding fiscal and social policies
We can thank our public education system and bad parenting for these beliefs.
On the flip side, Millennials are far less likely than previous generations to:
- Embrace the Bible as their primary source of moral guidance
- Believe that the universe was designed, created, and is maintained by God
- Believe that every moral choice we make either honors or dishonors God
- Consider Satan to be a real and influential being
GenX And Millennial Spiritual Transformations
The survey goes on to explain, the spiritual transformation in America truly started with the Baby Boomers, though it does not go into detail. Yet, we can recall the hippie era, and so on. This certainly ignited a change from previous generations. Changes that have been expanded upon by each succeeding generation.
The survey now dials in on GenX and Millennials who are substantially more likely than previous generations to believe:
- Horoscopes provide useful guidance for their life
- Karma is a viable life principle
- Allowing people to own property facilitates economic injustice
- God is not involved in people’s lives
- Human beings have developed over a long period of time from less advanced life forms to our current condition
Horoscopes provide useful guidance for life?
Personally, I was a bit stunned by these findings. Here we have GenX and Millennials who are less religious than previous generations. Yet, they trade one faith for another faith. Effectively, they are trading the Christian faith for a heathen faith.
How I am reminded of,
Romans 1:25
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Then we have the big con known as globalization hidden here. That no one should own any property. Perhaps in a perfect world that is a good idea.
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In this world, it means only government and megacorps will own the land, and this idea ties into the United Nations “sustainable development” agenda. You know, Agenda 2030 where you own nothing and “could not be happier”.
What Do People Really Believe?
As I combed through the survey results, I found more startling discoveries.
When respondents were asked, do you “Consider yourself to be a Christian” each generation responded,
- 57% yes – Millennial
- 70% yes – Generation X
- 79% yes – Boomers
- 83% yes – Builders
Yet, when each generation was asked, do you “Believe that when they die they will go to Heaven but only because they confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior” the responses became more ambiguous.
- 16% yes – Millennials
- 26% yes – Generation X
- 41% yes – Boomers
- 39% yes – Builders
I have consistently seen this behavior in various polls and surveys over the years.
This reveals, though one may call themselves “Christian”, the definition of that word is different depending on who you ask. These days, people understand little of what they profess to believe.
Conclusions
Dr. George Barna is the Director of Research at Arizona Christian University. Dr. Barna is a sociologist who has been studying national religious patterns for over 40 years.
When Dr. Barna was asked to provide some examples of how generational changes affect our nation, he offered cautionary, but somber words.
The family unit and traditional family practices have been reshaped, with some long-term, fundamental family ideals and practices outlawed. The responsibilities of government have been significantly broadened and transformed. The influence of the Christian church has diminished while the influence of arts, entertainment, and news media has exploded. As millions of parents discovered during the pandemic, public schools have become indoctrination farms rather than places for teaching basic life skills.
It is hard to imagine a louder, clearer, and more direct challenge to the future of the Christian faith in the United States,” Barna concluded. “If Christian churches, pastors, schools, and individuals believe that a biblical Christian faith is important—not just for themselves but also for our nation and the world beyond it—time is running out to aggressively and strategically act on that belief, before those who so vehemently disagree succeed in destroying the freedom and opportunity to preserve the ways of God.
Friends, we are the church.
Considering the direction many stick and brick churches have taken these days, it is up to each and every one of us to keep Christianity alive.
Jesus Christ resides in our hearts and minds, not in a building. Keeping Christianity alive is the responsibility of every single Christian.