WHY GEN Z IS REDIFINING FAITH

WHY GEN Z IS REDIFINING FAITH

Ever heard of slangs like "clock it", ma fo, Sapa, Dey play, wahala be like bicycle ; these are few of the creations of the Gen z. These generations are not only innovative creators they are reformers.

The Generation Zoomers also known as generation Z, are the demographic group succeeding the millennials and preceeding the generation Alpha. They were born within the year 1997 to 2012. Most of the people in this generation are children of generation X. Before this generation we have had 4 generations which are ;

The Traditionalist

The baby boomers

The generation X and,

The millennials.

It is important to note that each generation had their distinct way of relating to different things especially religion which happens to be the focus of this article;

GETTING TO KNOW GENERATIONS BEFORE THE ZOOMERS.

1. THE TRADITIONALISTS

The traditionalists also known as the silent generation were born within the year 1928 and 1945. They were known for their strong loyalty to religious institutions and their morality, family life and community identity were shaped by religion.

1. THE BABY BOOMERS

They were born within the year 1946 to 1964. They grew up in a time of social change but still held unto faith. They had high participation in organised religion. The questioning of certain traditions and the exploration of alternative spiritual paths began in this generation although not as profound as it is now.

1. THE GEN X

From 1965 to 1980 the generation X which are majorly the parents of Gen Z were born. This group were more independent and skeptical. For them religion was a personal choice not an obligation. Church attendance began to decline in this generation.

1. THE MILLENNIALS

The Millennials which accelerated the shift away from organized religion were born within the year 1981 to 1996. This group of people were more open to diversity in beliefs. This generation was the last before the emergence of the Gen Z's.

1. GEN Z

As children during the mid late 2000s and 2010s, Generation Z was the first social generation to grow up with the web 2.0 and digital technology. From a young age watched web series on different social media platforms especially YouTube and played online games which gave them quicker exposure unlike the generations preceeding them. Their early exposure to the internet really shaped their perspectives to a lot of things. Their perspectives hence, cause their indifference to a lot of things.

GEN Z'S IMPACTS ON RELIGION

1. DECADANCE OF BLIND RELIGION

Religion before Gen Z religion was more stable, doctrinated and less questioned - Religion before Gen Z was followed with strict rules,they didn't ask questions, they just followed. But Gen Z's are never shy to ask questions. The Gen Z's are more daring, ready to question what they felt wasn't right or didn't sit right with them.

They want to understand why they have to do it 'that way' and not 'this way'. They want to understand the In depth of rules, if possible the origin. They have completely eradicated the 'just believe' syndrome.. Also, more doctrines are beginning to go extinct as the Gen Z's don't seem to align with them.

1. . PERSONALIZED SPIRITUALITY

Gen Z's have a personal, flexible and questioning approach unlike generations before them who were more community based, structured, committed and traditionally oriented.

Gen Z's are moving away from strict institutional structures and focusing more on personal belief systems. They. To them religion is individualised. This was a new occurrence in religion as everything was done under strict rules, standards and regulations. For Gen Z's, the known ways of religion was too rigid and like they will say 'it's not that deep'. They prefer to define their relationship with God more privately. They feel like God can be served in a more relaxed and convenient environment.

1. INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Another significant way in which the Gen Z's are redifining Faith is through the social media space. Unlike the preceeding generation, the Zoomers generation created a presence for themselves on the internet. In their language they're more 'woke' which means more aware. The internet started to predominate their day to day activities which extends to religion. We now a lot short and viral contents, online fellowship, renewed interest in the scripture (Bible verses now written in modern day slangs like pidgin), missed services can now be watched online, even happening services can be watched in the convenience of your home.

1. SHORTER HOURS

Gen Z have also redifined the lengthy hours spent in religious structures. As they have very short attention span, religious activities are becoming shorter every day. But as the hours get shorter, the ideas gets better. The Gen Z are known for their fresh ideas - which they have infused into religious activities. They are bubly, never dull individuals. Their personality has found its way to the way they feel about religion. Other generations may see it as jamboree, for them it's expression.

CONCLUSION

Although Gen Z appears fierce, religion did not disappear with them. It only began to change shape in an interesting, unusual, the most surprising ways. They've brought a series of twist and turns to how young people relate to faith, spirituality, traditions and beliefs. But the question is has this redifining helped or destroyed religion in ways unexpected?