Clyde Dupin
The 21st Century is seeing many changes in religion. Young adults are interested in faith but tend to reject the religion of their parents and their childhood teachings. They feel little loyalty to the Bible and faith they were taught as children. They lean toward moral relativism. They like to make their own moral standards and choose whatever religion meets their felt needs. Many young adults who claim to be spiritual are not tied to any particular religious denomination.
A five-year Barna research study, included more than 22,000 surveyed, found young adults are leaving the Church. Most young adults disengaged from active participation in the Christian faith during college years. Eighty percent after four years in a secular university leave the church.
This problem is very complex and hard to understand. Many had their belief system destroyed by ungodly professors. Some are encouraged to reject the faith of their parents. Others reject the lifestyle of their religious parents and find it inconsistent with basic Christian values. They are often taught that morality is relative. They believe what is good for one may be bad for another. They have grown up in a culture with all the emphasis on self. The moral climate in our society has left them with no absolutes.
In their search for spirituality, many have joined house church groups. Others have decided to leave their faith completely. As this generation leaves the church, pastors and all Christians should be concerned. The church of tomorrow depends on those young adults. Only the Bible and a relationship with Christ can bring them home again.
