How Open is Gen Z to Faith? Study Reveals Surprising Answer
By Movieguide® Contributor
The 2023 State of the Bible report shows that Gen Z is still interested in learning about faith, though the number of those willing to do so is declining.
“The majority (56%) of younger Gen Z adults (ages 18-21) reported being curious about Jesus and/or the Bible, whereas only 34% of older Gen Z adults (22-26) said so,” the report revealed. “These percentages are down from 2022 when around 77% of all Gen Z adults showed curiosity in Scripture.”
While the interest in faith is trending negative, the data shows that Gen Z is more interested in the Bible than the general population may think.
Nearly half of Gen Z says that the Bible has transformed their lives. Forty-nine percent of those aged 18-21 report this to be true, while 52% of those aged 22-26 say the same.
Despite the impact of the Bible, Gen Z still struggles to find a true foundation in God.
“Gen Zers have been described as curious, digitally savvy and advocated for change,” said Dr. John Farquhar Plake, chief ministry insights officer of the American Bible Society. “We see all of this reflected in our research, but we also see a generation struggling to find their footing with faith.”
However, Gen Z is still open to conversations about Christianity. As the negative trends continue, Plake urges ministry leaders and Christian peers to have these conversations sooner rather than later while the door for them is still open.
“This generation still shows significant interest in the Bible and the message of Jesus,” Plake said. “Ministry leaders may be surprised to find how open Gen Z adults in their communities are to discussions about God’s Word.”
Faithwire adds that reaching Gen Z may come in different forms from previous generations, citing the Bible-centered video game Gate Zero as one such avenue.
Movieguide® previously reported on Gate Zero’s mission:
In an age of short attention spans and low scriptural engagement, the team behind Gate Zero – Bible X – wants to present key Gospel moments in a new, immersive way. They believe the Bible will come to life as players become eyewitnesses to the miracles that Jesus performed and take in the sights and sounds of 1st-century Israel along the way.
As general interest in Christianity wanes, the report also highlights how people become less receptive to faith as they age. Therefore, having these conversations with people when they are younger and have yet to harden their hearts against God is important.
Movieguide® previously reported:
The 13th annual “State of the Bible” report was released earlier this month, revealing current trends about how Americans relate to the Bible.
“Our research this year delivers an urgent message for this ministering in America. Although it’s a relief that the number of Bible Users did not continue along its precipitous decline, there remains a pressing need to help spiritually engage and expanding Movable Middle–those individuals who are friends to the Bible’s message but not actively reading and applying Scripture’s truths,” John Farquhar Plake, American Bible Society’s Chief Ministry Insights and Innovation Officer said.
“Positively, Americans who are Scripture engaged show significantly higher levels of hope than their neighbors. Although our society faces challenges on many fronts, the Bible provides hope and help to those who explore its truths,” Plake continued.
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