Why Millennials Are The Least Religious Generation To Date: A Heartfelt Guess | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Millennials Are The Least Religious Generation To Date: A Heartfelt Guess

And they'll know we are human by our love.

39
Why Millennials Are The Least Religious Generation To Date: A Heartfelt Guess
PR News Online

Why are millennials the least religious generation to date? I can only speak from personal experience, but I'm feeling brave enough to venture a guess.

We millennials are taught to be accepting of all faiths, all races and all people. We are told to live with love, yet we are bombarded with divisive religious ideas on a daily basis — on signs in front of places for worship, in war, in legislation — religious extremists are succeeding in turning the world into an "us vs. them" encounter every single day.

It's not that we don't understand that the majority of those who practice religion are peaceful and loving individuals, it's that to rationalize the benefits of the religious majority as outweighing the conflict caused by a very small minority is exhausting.

It's that the Big Three — Christianity, Judaism and Islam — are valid belief systems built on similar principals and common humanitarian values, yet we divide and divide again, even within those, to define our own beliefs and adhere to a complex set of beliefs that, often times, change based on what feels like convenience.

It's that sacrificing religious beliefs, in the hope of a world where peace and acceptance thrive, is something that is all too tempting.

In church, I remember hearing, "They'll know we are Christians by our love," and I couldn't help but think that love is not purely a Christian idea.

I struggled with the expectation that a kind individual is a Christian individual. Not because the Bible neglects to teach loving your neighbor as yourself, but because claiming that kindness is a Christian-identifier implies that other religions also do not consider kindness to be of the utmost importance.

I argue that today, when our generation seeks acceptance and equality, religion has shown us hurt, divide and avoidable conflict in many parts of the world.

I argue that we are less religious in an effort to be more inclusive. Religion in no means teaches division or preaches denial; but from where we're standing, it causes it all the same.

I argue that we should know that we are human by our love.I see a world where, above all else, we believe in the power of unity through our one undeniable common link, our humanity.

I have grown up in a Christian family that believes in the worth of all people. I attend a Christian university that works to create a dynamic and loving community for all students.I believe in the goodness and the well-meaning of religion. But I believe in more than that.

It's difficult to say these lines that we've drawn between us are imaginary, because I cannot say what is true and what is not, but I know in my heart that a line is a line. I believe that my generation is walking these lines, considering them, and questioning them, as we look to the future.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190312
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14963
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457914
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26663
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments