A recent study shows that over 60% of Americans no longer believe that God has any effect on their lives. Even more troubling, nearly half of self-identified Christians —and 40% of born-again Christians— believe the same thing.

George Barna, director of research at Arizona Christian University, didn’t mince words: “…nothing short of sweeping national repentance and spiritual renewal can save America from itself.”

Why the spiritual void?

This massive decline in Biblical worldview can be traced back to the cultural revolution of the 1960s. The radical redefinition of marriage, family, and sexuality had a profound impact on America. Divorce, premarital sex, abortion, and alternative sexual lifestyles started to become normalized. Simultaneously, biblical teaching on the same topics was dismissed as outdated or oppressive.

The result? Many left the church they’d grown up in and became “nones.” “Nones” aren’t necessarily atheists, but they don’t hold to a defined sense of religion. They consider themselves “spiritual” while shunning religious commitments, repentance, and a relationship with God.

Many churches addressed the decline in attendance by trying to attract the “nones” back. The result was an emphasis on flashy programs and catchy music instead of solid preaching and teaching. The fundamentals of repentance, salvation, growth as a Christian were also watered down.

Today, many who sit in pews may never hear a message about the importance of salvation or the necessity of God’s commands. Too many congregations “welcome all” without expecting any sort of change to take place through the power of the gospel.

A New Generation Awakens

While interest in God is declining for Boomers (60- to 80-year-olds), Gen X (44- to 60-year-olds), and even Millennials (29- to 44-year-olds) Christianity is making a surprise comeback among Gen Z (13- to 28-year-olds).

The younger generation is hungry for truth, hope and purpose — something the world can't offer. Mark Woods of the Bible Society explains that “there’s a very clear increase in demand” for Bibles among Gen Z because young people are realizing that the Bible has something important to say to them. And they’re hungry for it.

Gen Z adults have grown up in a post-Christian culture with parents and grandparents who were products of the cultural revolution of the 1960’s. But instead of adopting the mantra that “all we need is love,” Gen Z seems to be drawn to the wisdom of Scripture, the promise of salvation, and the call to live a life of purpose and meaning. They want more than “peace, love, and happiness” — they want the truth.

It’s An Exciting Time

The youngest adult generation is searching for something more than the secular “answers” they’ve been fed. As Bible believers, we have the answers they need. For decades, Chick Publications has helped people share the Gospel with accessible, engaging, truth-filled tracts. These little paper preachers speak to the need of every generation —the need for a Savior who forgives sin and gives each person a new purpose in life. Christianity may not be culturally popular, but our work is far from over. In fact, it’s just begun.