A new poll finds that the number of young men in the U.S. who say religion is a very important component of their lives is increasing. Gallup says its survey shows 42% of men between the ages of 18 and 29 say religion is very important to them. That’s up from 28% in 2022-23. Dr. Justin Langford at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville has a theory on why that might be.
“Return to religion, in part, is due to, I think, the instant access that we have to all these tragic world events and news more than ever before,” Langford said.
Dr. Langford says many young men are also likely turning to religion because they may feel that the social media community they belong to is not genuine.
“They’re not really seeking the self-help stuff that may be current or that our previous generation sought. They want something more substantial and weighty; something that really matters,” Langford explained.
Gallup says for the first time in 25 years, young men have surpassed young women on this measure of religiosity. Langford says it’s good to see more young men going to church, but it’s also important they live a life that reflects their faith.
“It only makes a huge difference in our society if these men and women alike are not just attending a service, but they’re internalizing what they’re learning and internalizing these moral principles,” Langford noted.
Comments