Religion, Spirituality and Secularity among Millennials: The Generation Shaping American and Canadian Trends

This book explores the world of religion, spirituality, and secularity among the Millennial generation in the United States and Canada, focusing on how Millennials are doing (non)religion differently in their social lives compared to their parents and grandparents. It considers the influences of the digital age, precarious work, growing pluralism, extreme individualism, environmental crisis, advanced urbanism, expanded higher education, emerging adulthood, and a secular age on the (non)religious and spiritual landscapes of young adults in North America.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate tapestry of religion, spirituality, and secularity among the Millennial generation in the United States and Canada, offering a profound exploration of the unique ways in which Millennials are navigating their (non)religious practices in their social lives. It examines the profound influences exerted by the digital age, precarious work, burgeoning pluralism, extreme individualism, environmental crisis, advanced urbanism, expanded higher education, emerging adulthood, and the secular age on the (non)religious and spiritual landscapes of young adults in North America. Through extensive primary and secondary quantitative data, complemented by high-quality qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, this book provides a rich and nuanced comparative analysis between the United States and Canada, shedding light on the impact of diverse social environments on the experiences of religion, spirituality, and secularity among the continents most numerous generation. As such, it appeals to scholars of religion and sociology, with a keen interest in religious and societal change, as well as in the evolving practices of young adults in the realm of religion.

The Millennial generation in the United States and Canada is a fascinating cohort, characterized by a unique blend of cultural, social, and technological influences that have shaped their (non)religious practices and perspectives. This book aims to shed light on the diverse ways in which Millennials are engaging with religion, spirituality, and secularity, comparing and contrasting their experiences with those of their parents and grandparents.

One of the key themes explored in this book is the impact of the digital age on the (non)religious and spiritual landscapes of young adults. The internet and social media have revolutionized the way in which people connect with religious and spiritual communities, providing new opportunities for exploration, education, and community building. However, they have also led to the fragmentation of traditional religious institutions and the emergence of new, more personalized forms of spirituality.

Another important factor shaping the (non)religious practices of Millennials is the prevalence of precarious work. With the global economy in a state of constant flux, many young adults are facing job insecurity, low wages, and limited career prospects. This has led to a sense of disillusionment with traditional religious institutions, which are often seen as offering a false sense of security and stability.

Growing pluralism is another significant influence on the (non)religious practices of Millennials. With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, young adults are exposed to a diverse range of religious and spiritual traditions, from Buddhism to Islam to Hinduism. This has led to a greater openness to interfaith dialogue and a willingness to explore different spiritual paths.

Extreme individualism is also a defining characteristic of the Millennial generation. They prioritize their personal goals and aspirations over traditional religious or social norms, seeking to define their own identities and experiences in unique and personalized ways. This has led to the emergence of new spiritual and religious practices that emphasize self-reflection, personal growth, and individual empowerment.

The environmental crisis is another pressing issue that is shaping the (non)religious practices of Millennials. With climate change posing a significant threat to the planet, many young adults are becoming more environmentally conscious and seeking ways to connect with nature and promote sustainability. This has led to the growth of eco-spirituality and the adoption of more environmentally friendly practices.

Advanced urbanism is also playing a role in the (non)religious practices of Millennials. As cities continue to grow and evolve, young adults are moving to urban areas in search of job opportunities, cultural experiences, and a sense of community. This has led to the emergence of new religious and spiritual communities that are tailored to the needs of urbanites, such as urban yoga studios and meditation centers.

Expanded higher education is another factor that is contributing to the (non)religious practices of Millennials. With access to education becoming more widespread, young adults are increasingly questioning traditional religious beliefs and seeking to explore alternative spiritual and philosophical perspectives. This has led to the growth of secularism and the adoption of a more rational and scientific approach to religion.

Emerging adulthood is a stage of life that is particularly relevant to the (non)religious practices of Millennials. This period of transition between adolescence and adulthood is characterized by self-exploration, identity formation, and a search for meaning and purpose. Many young adults during this stage are exploring different spiritual and religious practices, seeking to find a sense of belonging and fulfillment.

Finally, the secular age is a cultural phenomenon that is shaping the (non)religious practices of Millennials. With the decline of traditional religious institutions and the rise of secularism, young adults are increasingly questioning the relevance of religion in their lives. This has led to the growth of atheism, agnosticism, and humanism, as well as the adoption of a more skeptical and critical approach to religious beliefs and practices.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the world of religion, spirituality, and secularity among the Millennial generation in the United States and Canada. It provides a rich and nuanced comparative analysis of the influences exerted by the digital age, precarious work, growing pluralism, extreme individualism, environmental crisis, advanced urbanism, expanded higher education, emerging adulthood, and the secular age on the (non)religious and spiritual landscapes of young adults in North America. By examining the unique ways in which Millennials are navigating their (non)religious practices in their social lives, this book sheds light on the complex and evolving nature of religion, spirituality, and secularity in the modern world. It appeals to scholars of religion and sociology, with a keen interest in religious and societal change, as well as in the evolving practices of young adults in the realm of religion.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032109213