The Truth About Young Adults and Faith by Tamice Namae

The Issue of Young Adults and Faith (Particularly among non-white students)

According to a survey conducted in the US, most students across the nation have indicated a lack of any religious affiliation. The issue is a very broad one.From a lack of a strong religious foundation to an absence of a spiritual belief system; more young adults are leaving the church. According to a study conducted by the CIRP Freshman Survey, the number of students who do not practice any religious notion reached just over 30% only 3 years ago. A closer look at the issue of young adults and faith (particularly non-white students) may provide much needed clarity into the spiritual downfall.

Across racial boundaries, more young adults are becoming less religious and leaving the church. Most of these changes occur as soon as individuals leave school and attend college. It may be owed to independence and age where they can make their own religious and spiritual choices. It may also include a strong political influence or an inability to connect with what is being taught by their religious leaders.

Christian churches including the Catholic faith have shown the greatest decline in student attendance across denominations in the US. Young adults face numerous pressures, stresses and changes in their lives transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. With it come questions about individuality, sexuality and their value systems or beliefs. Such extenuating factors complicate the picture when determining the major issue behind the decrease in faith.

Religion and race also cannot be denied when assessing the issue of young adults and faith. In the African American community in the US, a pastor who invested in social, cultural, and religious influences in academic study noted that his students performed better than their peers without a religious influence. In the research conducted by the pastor, he found that individuals with a strong religious affiliation were encouraged to succeed academically, understood the importance of academic achievement and had access to role models who valued educational outcomes in the context of the church. The practices introduced by the church in non-white communities have provided the support and the guidance many students lack when pursuing academic careers and success. Not only can supportive practices encourage young adults to strengthen their belief systems, it provides value in their lives. It offers direction and allows them to understand their place in the world and what they wish to achieve.

Transferring important role modeling, religious practices and cultural practices have proven most effective in strengthening the connection between non-white young adults, their personal development and the church. To remain relevant to the next generation of students, it is important for churches to incorporate relevance into its practices and traditions. Young adults who can connect to the lessons and spiritual practices are more likely to develop a strong sense of faith.

For African American, Hispanic, Islamic and students of color, faith is often connected to the family, culture and social traditions. Relevance and relatability make a significant difference in developing faith and spiritualism in young adults.