Millennials are abandoning organized religion. A new study provides insight into why

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Young Americans who were born during the late 1980s show decreasing participation in organized religion yet they maintain their spiritual beliefs. The period from 2003 to 2013 brought significant decreases in church attendance and formal membership and proselytising activities yet personal spiritual practices such as meditation experienced growth.

Young adults left institutions because their personal values about authenticity and social justice and inclusivity did not match the teachings or behaviour of religious organisations. Young adults chose to develop their spirituality through individual reflection and ethical conduct and mindfulness practices instead of traditional religious institutions.

The cultural shift demonstrates how people now develop their faith based on personal values and moral independence instead of following institutional rules. The practice of religion continues to exist although it now exists in flexible and individualized forms.

Reference:
PSYPOST. (2025, June 16). Millennials are abandoning organized religion: A new study provides insight into why
https://www.psypost.org/millennials-are-abandoning-organized-religion-a-new-study-provides-insight-into-why/?utm_source=chatgpt.com