Emerging Adults and the Future of Faith in America

Airing on
Probe Radio

Aug. 29– Sept. 3

Steve Cable —This article examines the trajectory of Christianity in America by looking at what researchers are learning about "the religious and spiritual lives of emerging adults." This last phrase is the subtitle of a recent book by Christian Smith and Patricia Snell which summarizes the results of a groundbreaking study based on the results of the National Study of Youth and Religion (NYSR). In 2002/3, Smith and his team surveyed over three thousand teenagers and conducted detailed interviews with over 250 of the survey respondents. These same people were surveyed again in 2005 and again in 2007/8. The 2007/8 survey also included over 230 in–depth interviews. Through this effort, we can gain insight not only into the current beliefs and practices of these young adults but also how those beliefs and practices have changed over the five year transition from teenager to young adult.

These 18– to 23–year–olds represent the future leaders of our nation and our churches and will be the parents of the children who will lead America into the second half of the twenty–first century. Barring a major change in our culture, their attitudes toward Christianity are a preview of the role of Christianity in America in the near future. Those of us committed to Jesus' Great Commission should recognize the importance of understanding these cultural trends so that we effectively communicate the truth of the gospel to an increasingly confused culture.

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Steve Cable photoSTEVE CABLE

"Emerging adults refers to a new life stage covering from 18 to 30 years of age. The religious and cultural beliefs of this new life stage are a far cry from those of the baby boomers. The post-modern ideal of no standard for life or religion is shown to be the dominant force for this age group."

Steve is Senior Vice President with Probe. Prior to joining us, Steve spent over 25 years in the telecommunications industry. He has extensive, practical experience applying a Christian worldview to the dynamic, competitive high-tech world that is rapidly becoming a dominant aspect of our society.

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Probe Answers Your Questions:

"How Can I Prepare For College?"

"Please Help Me - I'm Lost" (this plea came from someone on the other end of their life, a person who'd obviously not put a biblical worldview together despite church affiliation)