In a Christianity Today article, Drew Dyck addresses the phenomenon of young adults leaving Christianity, and interacts with various sociologists and cultural observers who weigh in on this trend. While some point out that every generation sees a dip in church attendance among young adults, others consider the current exodus to be different and more alarming. Robert Putnam and David Campbell in their new book American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us
In addition to the more rapid decline, Dyck observes that “the life-phase argument may no longer pertain”. Marriage, career, and children (life events that tend to go with increased church involvement) are all coming much later for twentysomethings. Being out of church for one or two years is one thing; returning after a decade is something else. Thirdly, ours is a post-Christian culture, whereas former generations of young adults eventually returned to church amidst a predominantly Judeo-Christian culture.
Read the whole article for more. Dyck, the author of Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young Adults Are Leaving the Faith. . .and How to Bring Them Back
