Is it really true that 20 per cent of young people are active Christians? Unsplash
I found this article over the weekend, and I wanted to share it with my readers. The articles states how approximately 20% of adolescents in the UK claim to be religiously active. I believe that the author makes a good point to show how sometimes religious studies where recipients self-report are not accurate. It could also reveal that like young adults in America, many claim to be spiritual – but what that really means is different to those who study faith and religion.
When something seems too good to be true, it’s probably because it is. As reported by the Daily Telegraph at the weekend, a new piece of research suggests that 21 per cent of young people (aged between 11 and 18) describe themselves at ‘active followers of Jesus’. And while that is a wonderful idea, and one that all of us involved in youth ministry hope and pray for, I’m afraid it definitely doesn’t ring true. One of the team behind the research was quoted as being ‘shocked’ by the results, and said ‘there was disbelief among the team because [that number] was so high’. It’s a remarkably honest sentiment, and one I share.
Here is the rest of the article.
I have written many times about the Millennial Exodus, and the decline of Christianity in America. England has traveled that road before us, and those who still cling to faith understand the new world that we may soon be facing. The author writes,
“The Church is faced with a huge challenge in re-engaging young people.”
The UK is not alone.
Dr. G. David Boyd is the Managing Director of EA Resources. He is the founder of the EA Network. If he can help you and your community ministry to the emerging adults in your community, please contact him at gdavid@earesources.org.
