New Study labels Gen Z the most religious generation alive, and here’s why

Introduction 

Gen Z continues to be the generation that shocks the world, and recently it’s a surprising trend gaining traction in the UK and beyond. Research has been done by experts on changes in faith and spirituality amongst young people in today’s digital era. This research has revealed that Gen Z is the most religious generation alive. This means they appear to be embracing religion and a belief in a higher power more than many older generations. 

So, what does this mean for the youth today? 

What the Data Shows 

A study by YouGov revealed that the belief in a higher power within people aged 18-25 has increased expeditiously over the past few years. In 2018, roughly 28% of young adults said they believed in a higher power. But by 2024 that figure had shot up to nearly 49%. Additionally, the number of attendees at church also increased from 7% to 23% during the same period. 

These statistics draw to one conclusion: young adults’ faith levels appear to be higher than those belonging to the older age group. Gen Z is defying long-held expectations about secularisation and is now becoming the most religious generation. 

Let’s break down what these trends mean and represent. 

Why Gen Z is the most religious generation alive: belief is increasing amongst them? 

Well, there are many possible reasons that explain this shift: 

1. Social Media and Religious Influence

One of the leading factors driving this movement is social media. Priests, ministers, pastors and faith-focused content creators are utilising platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to share religious beliefs and personal testimonies. 

The widespread religious content online young people encounter continues to spark curiosity and lead them to take a deeper interest in their faith. 

2. Looking for a deeper sense of meaning and purpose is the reason why Gen Z is the most religious generation alive

In a fast-changing rapid world, where people are dealing with mental health issues, financial pressure and climate anxiety, young people are looking for purpose, fulfilment and stability. And religion appears to be the solution offering all those things.  

Influencers such as Matilda Draper, a 25-year-old influencer, have publicly shared their experiences with their Christian faith. 

“Young people are turning to religion because they feel spiritually hungry in an age of negativity and uncertainty.”

3. Religion offers community and makes people feel like they belong.

Faith communities offer people networks of support, as well as a chance to build real relationships. Thus, faith communities appeal to young people who struggle to find a sense of overall belonging elsewhere. Religious leaders have reported an increase in youth engagement and attendance in their spaces. 

But do these statistics account for all of Gen Z? 

Whilst there is a religious revival amongst Gen Z, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t account for the entire generation. Not all Gen Z are traditionally becoming more religious, and this increase in belief isn’t a shared experience: 

• Some young people say they don’t see much religious conversation online at all and don’t feel inclined towards faith. 
• Globally, many regions, particularly in the Western world, still identify as non-religious with no spiritual affiliations or ties. 

The point is that Gen Z are changing their ways of thinking when it comes to spirituality and religious beliefs. 

So what does this increased religious movement mean for Gen Z globally? 

The data showcases a challenge to a common stereotype, that young people don’t care for religion. 

On one hand, surveys are revealing that…

• Gen Z are more likely than older generations to believe in religion and the fact that it has a place in today’s modern world. 
• Young people also see religion and science as compatible, rejecting traditional notions of a clash. 

On the other hand 

• Most young people claim to be spiritual as opposed to religious. 
• Whilst there is an increase, it’s important to still account for people who don’t associate with religion or attend service regularly. 

Conclusion

So, is Gen Z truly “the most religious generation alive”? 

Well, there is definitely an increase in belief in a higher power and church attendance amongst Gen Z. Young people seem to be more engaged with faith than ever before. However, researchers think that this isn’t a return to traditional religion as we know it, but young people exploring spirituality and trying to gain a deeper meaning of life and purpose in a digital, globalised world. 

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