By Andy Miller IV
Recently, there has been a noticeable trend in Gen Z men toward more traditional atmospheres for worship. Catholic, Orthodox, and more high-church Protestant denominations have reported an increase in attendance. To some, this reversion is irrational or silly, but to others, it is a breath of fresh air. I would attribute this rise to a combination of shallow theology preached by some evangelical churches, irreverence in worship and the sacraments, and liberalism that devalues men.
Gen Z is the least religious generation in Christian history, yet Gen Z Christians are the most religiously involved. According to Pew research, from 1974 to 2012, there was a 30 percent decrease in weekly Catholic Mass attendance. Yet the rate of millennial and Gen Z attendance has surpassed even the baby boomer generation. Leadership Roundtable, a Catholic online resource, reported 18- to 29-year-olds to be the most engaged age group.
This data pinpoints the attitude of dissatisfaction that permeates Gen Z Christians. Imagine, for example, being a young man surrounded by high rates of loneliness, suicide, and pornography consumption, and low rates of marriage.
The issue is that evangelicals tend to focus on the experience of getting saved more than growing in righteousness from the moment of salvation. Theological expression can help this problem. The Christian tradition has produced endless amounts of theology that helps us understand God’s role in our lives. Is the Holy Spirit transforming us, or will we remain dormant?
The lack of theology correlates with a lack of sacramental reverence. When young men convert to Catholicism, many point to the Eucharist as something new and life-changing that they were missing out on. We need to address questions such as, “Why do we take communion?” and “What are we truly participating in?”
I have mixed feelings about the trend toward traditionalism. I am glad that young men find fulfillment in their faith through the Catholic or the Eastern Orthodox church, but as a Protestant, I believe the true fulfillment of these Christian traditions can also come from various Protestant churches.
I attend Madison Methodist Church (GMC), which incorporates liturgical elements into the services, and I visited Holy Trinity Anglican Church (ACNA) and found it more liturgical than some Catholic churches. Most recently, I visited Christ Lutheran Church (LCMS), was warmly welcomed by the pastor and congregation, and had a rich liturgical church experience.
All this to say, evangelicals should take this opportunity to put young men in situations where they can encounter God through the means of grace.
The draw toward tradition reveals the spiritual hunger that is within young people. What are we doing about that hunger for truth? We can never create the perfect church that meets all of a young man’s needs, but we can be faithful to Christ and let Him bring in His children.
Andy Miller IV is from Ridgeland and is currently a student at Asbury University. He co-hosts The Praislandia Podcast on Spotify. You can find him on Substack at @Sm42007.
