As you know, studies show that a majority of kids raised in Christian homes are leaving the faith when they leave the nest. This is a deeply personal reality for many families, mine included. If you aren’t experiencing this painful place in your parenting, you know someone who is. And you are probably close to some kids who are struggling in their faith. 
 
It is so important that we understand the primary reasons why young people no longer believe if we want to help them return to the faith. And it is vital that we have answers. 
 
I recently had a discussion about the primary reasons Gen Z is leaving the faith on the Redeeming the Chaos Podcast hosted by Laurie Christine. In this critically important conversation, Laurie and I discussed recent Barna Research revealing the 7 biggest reasons why Gen Z is bailing on Christianity. Those reasons are:
 

1. I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil or suffering in the world (29%)
2. Christians are hypocrites (23%)
3. I believe science refutes too much of the Bible (20%) 
4. I don’t believe in fairy tales (19%) 
5. There are too many injustices in the history of Christianity (15%) 
6. I used to go to church, but it’s just not important to me anymore (12%)
7. I had a bad experience in church or with a Christian (6%)

 
That is quite a list, and this is quite a conversation. Laurie has graciously allowed me to air this interview in Episode 98 of  CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, where I offer some resources to counteract these reasons as well as valuable ideas and tools to establish a firm Biblical foundation in our younger kids. 
 
To hear this  important message on Life Audio, click on the image below:

Or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CPCW a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. That would make my day!

BIO: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ Her new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, was released on Amazon last year.

RESOURCES REFERENCED AND CITED:

“Emerging Gen Z may deliver huge blow to religion in U.S.” by Jeff Brumley (June 8, 2018)

The American Worldview Inventory in 2022 highlights worldview beliefs of American pastors.

“Only Half of Evangelical Pastors Possess a Christian Worldview: Incidence Even Lower for Most Denominations” (Cultural Research Cente::ACU)

ACU Cultural Research Center Worldview Inventory 2020-current

Foundation Worldview Curriculum (use “CPCW10” code for 10% discount)

Apologia: What We Believe (4 volume set)

EPISODES CITED:

Episode 57: “How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Episode 58: “7 Lies Culture is Selling Our Kids: Are They Buying?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Episode 72: “What Do People Leaving the Faith often Get Wrong about God?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowics

Episode 84: “How To Learn More Scripture in 2024 Than You Ever Have Before” w/ Zac Fitzsimmons

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Psalm 78:1-8

Hebrews 10:25