Millennials are far less likely to hold Christian beliefs than previous generations. The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University calls it a “seismic generational shift.”
Its research found that this generation is much less likely to hold to traditional biblically-based teachings, including the nature of God, original sin, salvation, creation, life after death, human purpose and biblical morality. On the other hand, Millennials are much more likely than older Americans to believe in horoscopes, karma, evolution and reincarnation. They also hold to the beliefs that success is defined by personal happiness, owning property fosters economic inequality, abortions and premarital sex are OK, and getting even with others is defensible.
“Gen X and the Millennials have solidified dramatic changes in the nation’s central beliefs and lifestyles,” said George Barna, CRC director of research. “The result is a culture in which core institutions, including churches, and basic ways of life are continually being radically redefined.”
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When it comes to beliefs in personal salvation, 40 percent of people 55 and over identify as born-again Christians, whereas a mere 16 percent of Millennials meet the criterion. Alternatively, younger Americans were more likely to hold to moral therapeutic deism, which has been deemed a counterfeit version of Christianity because it is more centered on self than God. Despite their differences, the dominant worldview among all four generations — Millennials, GenXers, Baby Boomers and Builders — is syncretism, a blend of differing worldviews as opposed to holding to a singular worldview.
In an analysis of the data, the Barna Research Center noted that the shift in America’s religious landscape began nearly 60 years ago as the Boomer generation sought to bring in aggressive spiritual change. Millennials, however, have shown to have further severed the ties with traditional biblical views and values.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
