A new study of Britain’s Generation Z or those in their late teens and early 20s, showed that they are more likely to believe in God than are Millennials, those in their late 20s and 30s.
According to the survey by YouGov, 23% of Britons in the 16-24 year-old age group said they believe in God, and 13% said they believe in “higher spiritual power.” Among those aged 25-39, 19% of them said they believe in God and 16% said they believe in a higher power, reports Premier Christian News.
Possibly this year’s data indicate that young people are going through that kind of exploratory period more than others. —Dr. Lois Lee, University of Kent
The November study explained that technology plays a big factor in this trend among UK teens. Younger people can easily access information about faith and religion online, especially during this time of pandemic where churches stream religious services in real time and can be viewed at any time convenient for the youngsters.
Since worship services of different denominations are available in the virtual world, many UK teens have the option to try out various belief systems without the pressure of formally joining a religious group instantly.
Less “stigma” about faith is another factor that leads Gen Z peer groups to be more open about religious beliefs. Asking questions and joining discussions on faith are now tolerated among young Brits.
The survey also suggests that the pandemic may have caused many young people to think about what they believe in as they search for greater meaning in their lives. The time of lockdowns made it easier for people to explore their spirituality. With no school and no work to go to during the early months of the Coronavirus pandemic, many Gen Z and Millennials turned to revisiting their faith.
Dr. Lois Lee, a fellow of the University of Kent’s department of religious studies, said a time of crisis can be a “time of exploration” of personal beliefs. “Possibly this year’s data indicate that young people are going through that kind of exploratory period more than others,” she said.
Meantime, Bruxy Cavey, the lead pastor at a Canadian Protestant church, Meeting House, said, “Covid has slowed us down and destabilized our regular routine. It has become an exploratory time. People are developing new habits, new interests, and finding new ways of just being in this world.”
