US Youth May Yet Return to Religion, Despite the Right

The religious right has driven young people away, but a change in tone could lure them back: Putnam

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted May 8, 2009 1:45 PM CDT

(Newser) – Young Americans would likely become more religious if faith were disentangled from the polarizing practices of evangelical conservatives, Michael Gerson writes in the Washington Post. That’s a good thing, because research for an upcoming book found that religious Americans give more time and money—to secular and religious causes alike. The content of faith matters little: The benefits of religion come from joining a loving community.

But young Americans are largely unable to enjoy the benefits of religion because of culture-war polarizations. The politicization of Christianity by evangelicals—their movement itself a reaction to 1960s hippy secularism—resulted in a religious atmosphere that young people regard as judgmental and uncaring. But youth are not by definition secular: “They are not in church,” writes Robert Putnam, co-author of American Grace, “but they might be if a church weren’t like the religious right.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

This 2008 file photo shows Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, as he speaks during a panel discussion on rural development at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York. (AP Photo)

"Religious Americans are nicer, happier and better citizens," the author of a book on religion in the US concludes after extensive research. (AP Photo)

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They are not in church, but they might be if a church weren't like the religious right. There are almost certain to be religious entrepreneurs to fill that niche with a moderate evangelical religion, without political overtones.
- Robert Putnam

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

DaytonAve.

Aug 11, 2009 3:41 AM CDT

The only philosopher i've read that has been a product of the church is C.S. Louis. I thought Mere Christianity was extremely sexist and a step backwards in thinking.

northeast

May 9, 2009 12:49 PM CDT

I don't support the Church, but to say that faith is a mechanism to replace intelligence is fairly ignorant and presumptive. The Church has produced some extremely bright philosophers over the years.

Derni

May 9, 2009 11:43 AM CDT

Not surprised that you found community to be the benefit of relgiion-the need to belong and have a supportive net-many people could care less about the tenets of a relgion or thecult-they want the social benefits and community aspect-the tribe-the only problem-many cults and religions are exclusive and casue factions in our society.

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US Youth May Yet Return to Religion, Despite the Right