Generation ‘why’ bother?

Webmaster | 29 August 2006

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New research into the beliefs of Australia’s young people offers a fresh challenge to churches, report JEREMY HALCROW and JOSEPH SMITH.

Whatever – the catch-cry of Sydney’s teens – seems to sum up perfectly the loosely held beliefs of people born from 1976 to 1990, the so-called Generation Y.

The Spirit of Generation Y project (2003-2006) released last month by Monash University, the Australian Catholic University and the Christian Research Association contests the often- made claim that the youngest generation is more ‘religious’ or ‘spiritual’ than older generations. Strong and committed belief is down across the board, from regular attendance at church services to belief in atheism to participation in the New Age.

“Militant secularism has decreased over the generations. But so has the level of interest in spirituality. The young people are more likely to say ‘I don’t know’,” says researcher Dr Phillip Hughes.

One-third of those surveyed said they are not sure about the existence of God. More than 20 per cent are not sure about life after death. Many are also not sure if they believe in reincarnation or astrology. Among those who believe in God, many are not sure what God is like.

“Many young people have the idea that God is there for us, rather than we being there for God… [it is] the idea of a God as a ‘butler’ on call,” Dr Hughes said.

Monash University sociology lecturer Dr Andrew Singleton says social forces such as secularisation, consumerism and individualism are the significant factors in shaping the beliefs of Generation Y.

“Generation Y are what their parents and Australian culture have made them,” Dr Singleton said. “They believe an individual’s views and preferences, provided they harm no-one else, should not be questioned or constrained, and that spiritual or religious beliefs and practices are purely personal lifestyle choices and in no way necessary.”

SOUTHERN CROSS asked Year 10 students at Barker College about their beliefs:
a) Do you believe in God or a higher power?
b) Do you believe in life after death?
c) Would you call yourself a spiritual person?

MANDY CHAMPION
a) No, I believe everyone is equal and there is no higher power.
b) No, I believe when we die we’re gone forever like everything else. The Bible says when animals die they’re gone forever and I think we’re the same as animals.
c) Not really. I don’t go to church or anything, but I still respect people who do.

BEN STUDD
a) Yes, I believe there is a God who created everything and he loves us.
b) Yes. I believe if Jesus is your king and saviour, when you die you will go to heaven. [Otherwise] you will spend eternity without God.
c) Yes. I’m a Christian and my spiritual personality is my main priority in life.

ALLIE TORRINGTON
a) No, I don’t believe in God, but I believe there could be a higher power.
b) I believe we die and go on somewhere else. I believe we never exist again.
c) I do not go to church but I believe in karma and astrology.

JAMES SUTTON
a) Yes. There has to be something more than just what we see. If you don’t believe then you won’t know anything else.
b) No. When you die, you die. There is no heaven.
c) No. I pray every day. However, there are more spiritual people than me.

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