A recent study was conducted by the Knights of Columbus to compare the past generations and how, “religious” they are. Although this survey maybe a little biased for Catholics, I think it still has much truth in it. The survey looked at moral values, religious views, religious experiences, and social issues. The sample was taken from 2,243 Americans, which included 1,006 Millennials, from the ages 18-29, from December 23, 2009- January 4, 2010.
The results from this study were quite interesting, and speak much truth of our nation right now as a whole. One result showed that Millennials share the same view as older generations when it comes to our nation heading in the wrong direction with morals and societal values. Although it may seem that our nation is going in the wrong direction, one hopeful result showed that most millennials think marriage infidelity and abortion is morally wrong, and they would like to see it decrease. This tells us that if there worldviews and morals stands firm, we will in the next decade see a change within our nations values and morals.
The last and most interesting result of this study was when asked if they believed in God, 76% of millennials said yes, which is the lowest percentage ever. However when asked about their top five life Goals, 31% of millennials said, “To be spiritual or close to God, which is the highest percentage in the last 100 years. This tells us two things. One, we could be on the brink of entering a Christian movement that could sweep across the nation, and really cause another “Great Awakening”. Two, it tells me that millennials are hungry for God, but aren’t being fed. I know your probably saying to yourself, “What can I do about this? I’m just a student.” Although you are student, and the Church should feed most of this hunger, you can still do your part. Matthew 28:18-20, which says “......All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This just isn’t talking about being a missionary, although that is good and needed. Jesus is also telling you as Christians to go out into your community, colleges, etc... and preach His word!
One thing I thought of when reading this article is Larry Crabb's book Connection. One reason us Millennials aren't being fed is because people are connecting with them. When I say people I mean pastors. I'm not saying all pastors are this way, but sometimes I get this feeling that the pastor that I am listening to truly doesn't care about us, and even more he doesn't really believe or live out what he is preaching. If a Millennial sees this they are going to shut down to the idea of Christianity immediately. What do you think?
It is quite true that a lot of pastors this days are not truly connecting with their congregation anymore. I am not sure why this is happening, but I pray that a revival starts in the heart of every pastor. Also, we as Christian also have an obligation, we know the Bible so we shouldn't shut out the word of God because of hypocrisy. That has always been in the church. Let us the be the change that we desire to see. Sometimes, it starts with us and the reason we never see a difference is because we are not willing to take the first step ourselves.
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