Spiritual Decline
American Youth in Spiritual Decline
American youth are in spiritual decline due to several interconnected factors:
- Lack of a Biblical Worldview: Many young people are not being taught a solid biblical foundation, leaving them without a clear sense of purpose or hope. By the time they reach their teenage years, their worldview is often already shaped by secular influences of education, media, entertainment and peers.
- Negative Cultural Influences: Schools, media, and entertainment consistently promote a secular, often anti-Christian perspective. These influences push young people toward nihilism, convincing them that life lacks meaning and purpose.
- Pastoral Silence: A significant issue highlighted in my book is the failure of many Evangelical pastors to address controversial yet crucial topics — like gender ideology, socialism, and moral decay. Their hesitation weakens the church's ability to guide youth through spiritual crises.
- Emotional and Mental Health Crisis: Without spiritual guidance, young people are more susceptible to depression and suicidal thoughts. My book emphasizes how this emotional suffering is exacerbated by a lack of faith and hope in God's plan for the future.
- Absence of Early Intervention: My book stresses that the spiritual formation of children needs to begin as early as second grade. According to Dr. George Barna, by the time they turn 13, their core beliefs are already set, making early discipleship critical.
- Lack of Faith Concerning Revival: While there is potential for a spiritual awakening among Gen Zs, many churches are not prepared to engage with young people in meaningful, relevant ways. 90% of Evangelical churches have no singles ministry.