Today, Explained – Episode: "How Gen Z Found Religion"

Released: June 1, 2025
Hosts: Sean Rameswaram and Noel King
Description: "Today, Explained" is Vox's daily news explainer podcast. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King guide listeners through the most important stories of the day.

Introduction: A Growing Trend Among Gen Z

The episode delves into a surprising and counterintuitive trend: the resurgence of religious affiliation among Generation Z (ages approximately 9-24). Contrary to the long-standing decline in religious participation, particularly within Christianity, young individuals are increasingly seeking out organized religion for various personal and societal reasons.

Expert Analysis: Insights from Dr. Ryan Burge

Dr. Ryan Burge, Associate Professor of Political Science at Eastern Illinois University and former pastor, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current religious landscape in America.

• Historical Decline of Christianity
  Dr. Burge explains that since the early 1970s, Christianity in America has been steadily declining. "Since the early 1970s, Christianity has been in decline in America," he states (09:50).

• Rise of the "Nones"
  Concurrently, the proportion of Americans identifying as non-religious ("nones") has surged from 5% to nearly 30% by 2022 (10:54).

• Generational Shifts
  Interestingly, each successive generation reports lower levels of religiosity. However, Dr. Burge notes a nuance: "the religiosity of Gen Z and millennials is not that much different," and some metrics even suggest that Gen Z may be more religiously committed than millennials were (12:25).

• Gender Dynamics
  Traditionally, women have been more religious than men. However, among Gen Z, this gap has closed entirely, with young men sometimes more inclined towards religious participation than their female counterparts (13:41).

• Denominational Preferences
  Younger generations are gravitating towards more traditional forms of Christianity, such as traditional Catholicism and hardline evangelicalism, which offer rigid doctrines and a sense of timelessness (15:19).

• Possible Causes for the Resurgence
  Dr. Burge hypothesizes that societal instability and the search for authenticity may drive young people toward structured religious communities. "Young people are searching for something that feels ancient and traditional," he suggests (12:33).

On-the-Ground Observations: Visiting St. Dominic's Parish

Producer Gabrielle Burbet visits St. Dominic's, a traditional Catholic parish in San Francisco, to observe firsthand the influx of young members.

• Young Adult Groups
  Father Patrick Rooney manages various groups within the church. The young adult group, initially comprising 12 members, has grown to 60-70, predominantly including people of color who meet weekly (20:13).

• Experience of Young Members
  Michael, a 26-year-old attendee, shares his perspective:
  "It kind of points to a tradition, a long tradition of the church which people and nowadays really appreciate... especially a lot of things in this world are trying to break down traditions nowadays." (21:34).

• Latin Mass Revival
  The Latin Mass appeals to young attendees for its sense of sacredness and connection to historical practices. Lily, a 27-year-old member, emphasizes the search for authenticity in a world filled with superficial interactions online:
  "There's so much false information out there... you have to find something that's like concrete and real and honest." (24:17).

Voices from Gen Z: Personal Stories of Faith

The episode features testimonies from young individuals who have rediscovered or embraced religious faith:

• Mackenzie Haas (25)
  Living in the Bible Belt, Mackenzie describes her return to Catholicism:
  "It's been very refreshing to see Democrats and left-leaning candidates... use Christianity and their faith in God to push forth belief." (04:44).

• Dr. Ryan Burge (Gen Z)
  Burge recounts his journey from a non-religious upbringing to seeking answers through church attendance:
  "I felt like something bigger was out there. So as soon as I could drive myself, I went to church and started looking for those answers." (03:35).

• Lily (27)
  Lily highlights the desire for meaningful connections and authentic experiences in a digitally dominated world:
  "I think people are gravitating more towards religion and also like taking other people with them." (24:17).

Gender Dynamics: The Role of Young Men in Religious Revival

A significant revelation discussed is the increasing participation of young men in religious communities, particularly within traditional Catholic settings.

• Closing the Gender Gap
  Dr. Burge points out that among Gen Z, the traditional gender gap in religiosity has disappeared, with some young men attending church more regularly than young women (14:13).

• Motivations for Young Men
  Potential reasons include a desire for structure, tradition, and spaces where men feel acknowledged and valued. "A lot of men feel like they're being overlooked... the Catholic Church is one of the few places where men are seen," Burge explains (14:47).

Cultural and Societal Influences

The episode explores broader cultural shifts that may be influencing Gen Z's turn towards religion:

• Search for Meaning Amidst Uncertainty
  Rapid technological advancements, social upheaval, and pervasive misinformation have left many young individuals seeking concrete and enduring frameworks, which organized religion provides.

• Reaction to Liberal Shifts
  Some young people perceive the societal shifts towards liberal ideologies as eroding traditional values, prompting a reversion to established religious principles. Mackenzie Haas remarks:
  "People are searching for truth... the Catholic Church has its grounding in the natural world." (25:15).

Conclusion: A Complex Resurgence

The resurgence of religious affiliation among Gen Z is multifaceted, influenced by a combination of personal quests for meaning, societal instability, and a yearning for authentic community structures. While Christianity as a whole faces a decline, the intensity and commitment among the remaining believers, particularly young men, suggest a transformation rather than a simple diminution of faith.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Ryan Burge (09:50): "Since the early 1970s, Christianity has been in decline in America."

• Mackenzie Haas (04:44): "It's been very refreshing to see Democrats and left-leaning candidates... use Christianity and their faith in God to push forth belief."

• Michael (21:34): "It kind of points to a tradition, a long tradition of the church which people and nowadays really appreciate..."

• Lily (24:17): "There's so much false information out there... you have to find something that's like concrete and real and honest."

• Dr. Ryan Burge (14:47): "A lot of men feel like they're being overlooked... the Catholic Church is one of the few places where men are seen."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Today, Explained" sheds light on an emerging and nuanced trend within American religiosity. As societal dynamics continue to evolve, the relationship between young generations and organized religion remains a critical area for observation and understanding.