******I wrote this blog for a large publication a few weeks ago.
I thought I would share it here as well******
Fifteen
years ago when Abby Wilner coined and defined the term quarterlife crisis as, “the
period of anxiety, uncertainty, and inner turmoil that often accompanies the
transition to adulthood,” I’m pretty she wasn't referring to religion. Then, I
think she was referring to questions and anxiety surrounding career choice and
relationships. Nowadays, however, the quarterlife crisis has grown to include
all aspects of a young person’s life-- including religion and spirituality. So disappointed
and frustrated by their “real word” experience in other areas, many young people
are beginning to call into question the very foundations of their person-hood
For some, that means walking away from traditional religion to pursue the path
of spirituality[1].
According
to a recent Gallup Poll, Americans
are least religious at age 23. A similar poll found that the number of young
people who identify as non- religious is rising. The poll contends that the rise in non religious Americans reflects changes in
the general pattern of religious expression in America. The pattern notes a
shift towards more "unbranded," casual, [or] informal religion.” I have observed a similar trend among quarterlifers
(18-35yrs) and would like to offer a few reflections as to why I think this is happening.
Tolerance and Inclusion- Spirituality is for everyone
For
many quarterlifers, organized religion just isn't practical anymore. Today’s
young people are entering into a cross-cultural economy; being successful in
that economy means being able to seamlessly interact, both socially and
professionally with everyone. Also, with the onset of mandated religious
tolerance in the work place, it’s not uncommon to lump various faith based traditions
into one interfaith observance. Celebrations like Christmas parties have long
been replaced with more inclusive events like holiday parties or winter galas. In
truth, being overly religious is frowned upon as it relates to establishing a
professional identity. Young people are even cautioned from wearing or placing
overt religious symbols on their body or in their work space. Indeed, young
people are taught to be more than tolerant; we are taught to be understanding
and accepting. Spirituality and other nondenominational faith traditions allow twenty-somethings
to have a relationship with a higher power without alienating themselves from
peers and co-workers. Identifying as a spiritual/ non religious person denotes
open mindedness and inclusion. Both of which are highly sought after qualities
in the work place.
Fundamentalist thought is scary-
Spirituality is Non-threatening
I was
a sophomore in college when I watched the twin towers fall at the hands of
“religious extremists.” Before that day, I had never heard that word, but in
the eleven years since 9/11, I have heard it countless times. The image of the
crazed religious fundamentalists has been permanently etched into the minds of
my entire generation. For that reason, many of us are leery of anyone who seems
a little too faithful or devout. What is more, over the years, we have learned
that religious fundamentalism is not limited to specific geographic locations or
cultural identities. Christian fundamentalists have been at the forefront of
the argument against same sex marriage and abortion. As these two are arguably the
most polarizing issues in the modern political arena, I think some young people
have begun to associate organized religion with homophobia and sexism. Although
we know that being a part of a particular religion does not make you a fundamentalist;
there is still a desire to distance one’s self from any way of thinking that
does not appear inclusive and progressive.
Unequal Distribution of Power-Spirituality
is Non-central
Many
traditional religions place colossal amounts of power in the hands of only a
few people. This unequal balance of power often leads to abuse and corruption. As
a result, organized religion has gotten a little too controversial and
hypocritical for quarterlifers. Most
recently, there has been quite a bit of controversy involving the resignation
of Pope Benedict XVI. A lot of people
suspect foul play, although there has been so proof of such. Even so, young
people are asking the tough questions. They want to know how the word of one human being can be infallible, and why there is only one right way to do
things. Oftentimes there is no such conflict with more spiritual frameworks. In
the absence of centralized religious offices or figures, the infallibility of
top religious leaders or doctrines is not a factor. Instead participants are encouraged to listen
to their own heart and develop an internal locus of control. In this way,
spirituality is empowering,
No More delayed Gratification- Spirituality seems Fast and Easy
It’s
no secret that today’s quarterlifers are walking into a job market that’s worse
than ever before. It is estimated that the unemployment rate for America’s quarterlifer
is nearly twice the national average. Yet, the rate in which young people are
enrolling into and attending college has never been higher. There is an obvious
disconnect here. And that disconnect is leading to record amounts of student
loan debt with very low prospects of employment. Consequently, having believed
the “hype” in the past about how school would help ensure financial stability,
and then graduating with more debt than any other generation; I think
quarterlifers are skeptical about formal institutions in general. Moreover, we are
lot less willing to accept any thought pattern that relegates our happiness,
salvation or joy to a later date. Young people want their results now.
Spirituality
offers a solution because there is no waiting.
Nontraditional or metaphysical belief systems promise fast results with
little effort. In addition, many of the aforementioned
teachings are very simple. Most of them tell followers that all they have to do
is think good thoughts and good things will happen. A stark contrast to being
told you must attend church, monitor sins, and read religious texts in order to
earn salvation.
Belief and Expectation
Today’s
twenty-somethings are looking for alternative solutions to their problems. They
do not trust the “tried and true” or the cliché’ anymore. Five years ago, when
I was standing at the crux of my quarterlife crisis, I dutifully sought relief
in organized religion first. Unfortunately, what I found there did not help me.
Having been raised in the church my whole life, I wasn't looking to sever my
relationship with God altogether, but I was looking for a more inclusive way to
live my life. Spirituality provided that balance. For that reason, when I wrote
my book about the quarterlife crisis, I chose to address it from a spiritual
nondenominational perspective.
With
every belief there comes an expectation, and when our expectations don’t suit
our beliefs we either change what you expect or we alter what we believe.
Today’s quarterlifers are choosing to believe in themselves and each other,
instead of lofty religious leaders. We are learning to depend on our own hearts
for guidance and to develop an internal moral compass. Throughout our lives we
have seen the divisiveness that organized religion has created and many of us
are becoming less and less interested in the drama of the dogma.
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