How Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm?

A good friend of mine recently gave me the results of a major study from Notre Dame University concerning the loss of Catholic identity in what are called “emerging adults” (basically people in their 20’s).

The survey, begun in early 2,000, involved more than 3,000 teens and 20 somethings who identified themselves as Catholic. Questions were asked in 3 waves over 15 years; questions as to where these young people found themselves in relation to the Catholic Faith.

The results are sobering and offer a window to view the mind of these emerging adults. Some statistics:

• Approximately 50% of Catholic teenagers lose their Catholic identity by their late 20’s.
• Of these former Catholics, 59% still believe in God, 24% are unsure, 19% no longer believe in God.
• 66% of those remaining Catholics grew up with parents who shared the same faith and were active in verbalizing in the home.
• Roughly 59% of Catholics and former Catholics believe that the teachings of science and religion conflict with each other.
• 24% of former Catholics report “never” talking about religion in their family (16% of current Catholics chose “never” as well).

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The study goes on to examine some of the contributing factors behind the statistics. Perhaps the largest factor causing departure from the faith is simply the stage of life emerging adults find themselves in.

Emerging adulthood is a time to complete formal education, develop one’s abilities at work, to find a romantic partner, establish an independent identity from the dependence of youth. Religion often takes a backseat to these pressing issues.

Another factor in losing Catholic identity is the intensely private and personal view that these young people hold about religion/or not. They are unmoved by church dog- ma or strong claims about theology. Flexibility is required in all things given this transitory stage of life. “Uncertainty is okay” said one respondent. If it works for you – – – that’s your truth.

Another factor . . . science and its findings are seen by many as the only truly reliable form of knowledge and belief. If something lies outside scientific proof, then it becomes “conjecture” and can be accepted or rejected as each one sees fit.

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So what do we make of these findings? I hope you’re not shocked. We’ve been seeing these cultural developments over the past 50 years. I truly believe growing up today, becoming an adult in American society, is tougher in some ways than it was in the Great Depression.

There our parents and grandparents had certain “rock bed” beliefs that today go under the handy title “Old School”. Among them were: a certain respect for civil institutions, lawful authority, the wisdom of elders, and the belief for most, that God can be experienced through religion.

Of course not all these have been jettisoned but new principles have come to challenge tradition. Some are:

• Flexibility, openness to new ways of doing things.
• Valuing “what works” over traditional ways of doing things.
• Speed is good.
• Spiritual things are like personal opinions. Each to their own. There is no unassailable truth to any religion.

One thing that remains in our changing society (and a cause of hope for the future) is the decisive effect of parenting and family on the life choices the emerging adults make.

Parents who make some attempt to learn an “adult” understanding of the Catholic Faith (btw. it does not conflict with real and proper science) . . . and . . . who bring a mature faith conversation to family moments and parental guidance are inclined to foster young adults who can negotiate the challenges of life and grow in their Catholic faith.

Holy Trinity stands ready to help families look deeper into the marvelous truths of our faith, so that you will “be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you.” 1 Peter 3:15

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Tim