Important observations Christopher. It would be interesting to know to which version of Catholicism are the Gen Zers migrating -- the conservative/orthodox or progressive/permissive version. Most of the decline in Christianity is among the progressive/permissive denominations or at least such churches in each denomination.
The renowned sociologist Dr. Peter Berger reversed his thinking about the secularization theory as he so declared here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv3aLp27sO4. The secularization theory postulates that the more modern the world becomes religion will inevitably decline. Of course that is nonsense as Berger later proclaimed before is death.
The secular only has influence on religion when religion itself invites it into its sanctuaries. Those religions that remain strict, demanding and conservative/orthodox are not negatively impacted by the secular. Those that are negatively impacted are those that have become permissive, accommodating and progressive, adopting societal trends into their religions which inevitably results in numerical decline. There is little need to participate in religions that reflect same trends pervasive throughout society.
I suspect then, that Gen Zers are more attracted to the version of Catholicism that seeks to follow pre-Vatican II traditions. Those are the diocese that are growing the most within Catholicism.
I love the reference to Berger. His recanting of his former position on secularization was one of the most honorable moments I'm aware of in the academy.
All excellent suggestions. I couldn't agree more. Like Berger and you, as stated in your piece at Deseret, I suspect it is the orthodox parishes that are drawing in the youth for the very reasons you state. Unfortunately, I have a tough time finding evidence that could test this hypothesis.
There is some indirect evidence it is the orthodox who are the ones filling the pews. Among those in Gen Z who attend at least monthly, 48% are politically conservative, compared to only 28% who do not attend at least once per month. (Among Millennials, the percentages are 39% and 20%, respectively). Admittedly, political ideology is (quite) an imperfect proxy, but it does overlap to a fair degree with theology. If that is the case, then the fact that more of Gen Z is politically conservative (particularly those attending regularly) suggests - however imperfectly - it is not the liberal-signaling parishes that are drawing in the youth.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for a clearer, better test of the hypothesis, though.
Something definitely is going on with conservative/orthodox seeking young men. For the first time in my lifetime more young men are religiously active than young women. Someone needs to put their finger on this phenomenon to help religious authorities properly assess how to reproduce success with young men and address what is happening with young women.
Many such cases. I have my hunches as to why young men are returning to the faith but young women are not, but lacking the data to test those hunches, I don't want to get over my skis. If I do come across anything that will allow little Ole me to say something intelligent, I will write it up ASAP, but I must admit that your guesses are far better than mine.
Important observations Christopher. It would be interesting to know to which version of Catholicism are the Gen Zers migrating -- the conservative/orthodox or progressive/permissive version. Most of the decline in Christianity is among the progressive/permissive denominations or at least such churches in each denomination.
The renowned sociologist Dr. Peter Berger reversed his thinking about the secularization theory as he so declared here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv3aLp27sO4. The secularization theory postulates that the more modern the world becomes religion will inevitably decline. Of course that is nonsense as Berger later proclaimed before is death.
The secular only has influence on religion when religion itself invites it into its sanctuaries. Those religions that remain strict, demanding and conservative/orthodox are not negatively impacted by the secular. Those that are negatively impacted are those that have become permissive, accommodating and progressive, adopting societal trends into their religions which inevitably results in numerical decline. There is little need to participate in religions that reflect same trends pervasive throughout society.
I suspect then, that Gen Zers are more attracted to the version of Catholicism that seeks to follow pre-Vatican II traditions. Those are the diocese that are growing the most within Catholicism.
I love the reference to Berger. His recanting of his former position on secularization was one of the most honorable moments I'm aware of in the academy.
All excellent suggestions. I couldn't agree more. Like Berger and you, as stated in your piece at Deseret, I suspect it is the orthodox parishes that are drawing in the youth for the very reasons you state. Unfortunately, I have a tough time finding evidence that could test this hypothesis.
There is some indirect evidence it is the orthodox who are the ones filling the pews. Among those in Gen Z who attend at least monthly, 48% are politically conservative, compared to only 28% who do not attend at least once per month. (Among Millennials, the percentages are 39% and 20%, respectively). Admittedly, political ideology is (quite) an imperfect proxy, but it does overlap to a fair degree with theology. If that is the case, then the fact that more of Gen Z is politically conservative (particularly those attending regularly) suggests - however imperfectly - it is not the liberal-signaling parishes that are drawing in the youth.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for a clearer, better test of the hypothesis, though.
Something definitely is going on with conservative/orthodox seeking young men. For the first time in my lifetime more young men are religiously active than young women. Someone needs to put their finger on this phenomenon to help religious authorities properly assess how to reproduce success with young men and address what is happening with young women.
Many such cases. I have my hunches as to why young men are returning to the faith but young women are not, but lacking the data to test those hunches, I don't want to get over my skis. If I do come across anything that will allow little Ole me to say something intelligent, I will write it up ASAP, but I must admit that your guesses are far better than mine.