20 February 2010
Throughout history, generations have been separated by many variables, and the Millennial generation (ages 18-29) is no different (Philadelphia Inquirer). Earlier this month, two new studies have been released, magnifying one particular variable distinguishing the Millennials from their elders-- affiliation with organized religion. These studies, conducted by the Pew Research Center and the Knights of Columbus/Marist College, give proof that the Millennials are increasingly turning away from organized religion (Philadelphia Inquirer). This being said, one must question the causes for this growing gap, and why it can be a productive and progressive change.
As a Millennial, I have observed this shift among my peers and understand many of its causes. One of these causes lies in the church, particularly the Catholic Church. Modern society has changed a great deal with little accommodation or understanding from the Catholic Church. Although we have been taught that women and men are equal, sharing the same human rights, the Church still will not allow a female to become a priest. There does not seem to be any legitimate reason to deny women priesthood except for the sake of tradition. It was also tradition for liturgies to be held in Latin and the priest to have his back to the assembly, until Vatican II, when the council decided to make some progressive changes, yet still preserving their tradition in faith. God is said to be both man and woman, but only a man may preach for Him? Some sects of Catholicism, such as the Marianists, hold Mother Mary even closer to their hearts and prayers than the mainstream Catholic, yet a woman is not an acceptable candidate to preach.
Another overshadowing issue with the Church has to do with marriage. Fewer and fewer men are becoming priests because of the solitary and chaste life they would be required to live. Many devout Catholics would commit to priesthood if they did not have to compromise having a family. The common family man (or woman) can better relate to the struggles and needs of their listeners, therefore, being able to cater to them accordingly. A big break from the Church, and most organized religions, is due to the prohibition of gay marriage. In today’s world, homosexuality is far more accepted than the generations before us. The Millennials have learned about the battles for human rights that took place in our parents’ and grandparents’ time, and many of us are ready to push through the rights of homosexuals. Many homosexuals and their supporters tend to turn away from organized religion because of this issue, even though studies have shown how natural it is. It is common for animals engage in homosexual behaviors, and historically, the ancients embraced and accepted homosexuality.
The wars in the Middle East have also had a great affect on this turn from organized religion. Nine-Eleven struck our generation at a crucial time in our lives: adolescence. Being told at this age that a group of religious fanatics terrorized our nation, killing mass amounts of people, because of a difference in religious beliefs, it shakes one’s perspective of what religion really stands for. Organized religion begins to look different from what our parents taught us, taking on a political and dividing shape.
A large part of this different perspective is also due to technological advances. With the help of computers and Internet, we can read about anything in about five seconds. More and more people are becoming aware and informed about religious organizations all over the globe, as well as blogging and interacting with people across the world from all different backgrounds. The growing knowledge about world religions will make one challenge their own beliefs, resulting in either a strengthening or change in faith. One may notice the striking similarities in world religions, concluding that they all essentially share the same foundation with cultural differences that developed to better suit each society over time, whereas another would become well rooted in their beliefs and gain a better understanding of other belief systems.
This spiritual approach to religion has become more appealing to Millennials, most likely, in part, to a sort of phobia of organized religions. Many people do not want to commit to one religion because of the war and corruption that has been seen over our lifespan thus far. Although war and corruption are not new, the publicity is. At a younger age, people are becoming much more informed and opinionated than ever before. The general public has access to the details of religious scandals that were easily hidden in the past.
I feel that here are two sides to this “anti-religion” phenomenon: one portion of Millennial have turned completely from any religious affiliation, and the other portion is still spiritual or religious, but chooses not to participate in an organized form of worship. In general, the first group tend to be very logical, scientific, and believe that religion is a type of superstition, while the second group seem to pray, meditate, and even follow some sort of religious texts, but stay away from any material religious organization. The word material is vital, because I have heard this word used to describe many modern religious organizations. Religious organizations constantly ask their parishioners for donations, and often times, their money is not used for religious purposes. This contributes to the corruption and turns many people off to religion. However, one must realize that people are running the religious organizations, not the God(s) that inspire them, and therefore, these organizations are prone to all of the same shortcomings that people are prone to. For example, Allah is not the one who crashed planes into the World Trade Center, people, who misinterpreted and corrupted their religion did. This is why it has become popular for people to create a direct relationship with God, forming their own opinions on sacred texts or spirituality.
All of these elements that have impacted modern religious views are capable of producing great things for all sides of the religious spectrum. For the religious person, some positive changes may be made to reduce the corruption and draw more people back to organized religion. The nonreligious person can gain a greater sense of public support and more openly express their thoughts and beliefs. Most importantly, this challenge to religion will make people stronger in their own beliefs, by questioning them, and may even open one up to new ideas and perspectives. Some people live their whole lives being faithful to a religion they know little about or do not understand just because their parents and social circles condone it. Perhaps the Millennials will help encourage people to further explore their faith, and others, minimizing the ignorance and prejudice that circles religion.
