Many APSU students are part of the “millennialism” trend, which is to find their own path to religion.
Religion is important in society and around the world culture.
In today’s world, young adults are looking at it as counterproductive and are forsaking the concept of religion and its entirety. Atheism is a steadily growing belief that is sweeping the nation of millennials when it comes to religion.
For centuries, people have followed religion to solace and peace within, even constructing their morals from it. However in the very progressive and artistic era the world, religion in its entirety is being questioned.
The large amount of young adults born between the mid 1980s to the 2000s are considered millennials. These groups of young adults have brought our country into an era this world has never seen before, and they are dragging religion by the tail.
These are the years of technology. Gone are the days where finding answers took more than a click a button.
With the production of high quality TVs and computers, questions about all topics including religion can be answered very quickly.
Millennials look for instant answers, gratification and proof.
Realism is a huge part of their society and religion and realism do not mix.
Atheism and other spiritual beliefs are a rapidly growing concept accepted by a majority of the group.
Atheism, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is “a disbelief in the existence of a deity, or the doctrine that there is no deity.”
A large contributing factor to the millennial atheist and spiritual movement is the transition from living with and depending on ones parents to moving out and becoming completely dependent upon oneself.
“My parents created the base of many of my views religion included but my personal experience is what I base all of my views on,” said Craig Rossiter, junior communication major.
A major new Pew Research Center survey finds that, as time goes on, the large share of religiously unaffiliated.
“For years, surveys have indicated that members of the youngest generation of adults in the U.S. are far less likely than older Americans to identify with a religious group,” according to Pew Research Center.
Millennial adults is increasing significantly.
When the opportunity arises to move out of the nest and start college or a new job, young adults are able to learn and express how they feel without the influence of their parents or others around them.
Being independent in the creative world we live in can open doors in regards to religion and all sorts of experiences and lessons to be learned.
No longer do young adults have to abide by their parents rules. They can now make their own decisions.
Religion is interesting and includes several facets that millennials can soak up like a sponge.
“I still have my strong faith in God. However when I figured out more who I was as a person in college I became more open to other religions and beliefs. I believe in Christianity, but I also believe that gay people have the right to love and marry who they want, and that women are made for more than procreation,” said junior education major Hannah Holt.
With APSU being located in the Bible Belt, religious views are still very present.
“I grew up in a strong Christian-based household. I felt more forced to believe than to freely believe. When I moved out and went to college I felt the weight of that lift off of me. College has helped me to realize that it’s okay to not share the same views as my family, because through college I have met people that I do and don’t share the same views with. I’m still a Christian. However, I wish that I had been educated about different religions instead of being forced to believe in one. People should have their own beliefs for their own reasons. College has helped me come to that conclusion,” said senior media technology major Haley Bray.
Religion will forever be a changing concept like everything else in the world. It just so happens that millennials seem to bring out all the right questions concerning the great concept that baffles many. TAS