Helping The Next Generation Become Biblical

Working with students on a large secular campus, I often get into discussions about the Bible - what is it, and why it matters to us. What's interesting is that depending on what generation you come from may seriously impact what you think the Bible is.

The Barna Group is well-known for its research into areas related to Christianity, and not long ago they published their findings on the issue of generational views about the Bible. For their research purposes, here is how they label the generations:

• Mosaics: current 18-25 year olds
• Busters: current 26-44 year olds
• Boomers: current 45-63 year olds
• Elders: current 64+ year olds

Here are some interesting points the research shows:

• While most Americans of all ages identify the Bible as sacred, the drop-off among the youngest adults is striking: 9 out of 10 Boomers and Elders described the Bible as sacred, which compares to 8 out of 10 Busters (81%) and just 2 out of 3 Mosaics (67%).

• Young adults are significantly less likely than older adults to strongly agree that the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches. Just 30% of Mosaics and 39% of Busters firmly embraced this view, compared with 46% of Boomers and 58% of Elders.

• Among Mosaics, a majority (56%) believes the Bible teaches the same spiritual truths as other sacred texts, which compares with 4 out of 10 Busters and Boomers, and one-third of Elders.

• Another generational difference is that young adults are more likely to express skepticism about the original manuscripts of the Bible than is true of older adults.

• While many young adults are active users of the Bible, the pattern shows a clear generational drop-off – the younger the person, the less likely then are to read the Bible. In particular, Busters and Mosaics are less likely than average to have spent time alone in the last week praying and reading the Bible for at least 15 minutes. Interestingly, none of the four generations were particularly likely to say they aspired to read the Bible more as a means of improving their spiritual lives.

David Kinnaman, who directed the analysis of the research, explained that the “central theme of young people’s approach to the Bible is skepticism. They question the Bible’s history as well as its relevance to their lives, leading many young people to reject the Bible as containing everything one needs to live a meaningful life." 

So young adults view the Bible with skepticism, ranging on everything from its origins to its veracity to its applicability.

However, there is a bright side.  One finding of the Barna Group was this:  "Despite the generational decline in many Bible metrics, one departure from the typical pattern is the fact that younger adults, especially Mosaics (19%), express a slightly above-average interest in gaining additional Bible knowledge. This compares with 12% of Boomers and 9% of Elders. "

Now, how does that last piece square with the fact that young adults do not read the Bible nearly as much as other generations?  How can they read it less but express the most interest in gaining greater Bible knowledge?  I don't really know for sure, but one thing I think it tells me is that they are willing to learn (eager, even), but don't find the value in doing a lot of personal Bible reading and study.

This means that our opportunity as teachers is greater than it has been in a long time.  We have an open window to play a significant role in their lives as guides and coaches to help them discover the amazing truths found in Scripture.  

Here's what the Barna Group said in conclusion:  "The president of the Barna Group pointed out that since many young people want to learn about the Bible it should be an opportunity for Christian leaders.  Perhaps young people want to participate more in the process of learning, not simply attend Bible lectures or be trained in classrooms. Mosaics and Busters have come to expect experiences that appear unscripted and interactive, that allow them to be open and honest with their questions, that are technologically stimulating, that are done alongside peers and within trusted relationships, and that give them the chance to be creative and visual. Their expectations may or may not be entirely healthy, but without considering these issues, the Bible will continue to lose hold on the next generation."

Personally, I find this to be exciting.  I have experienced a greater openness to the Bible from students over the last few years.  I think it's an opportunity for churches to engage young people in creative ways.  Clearly there is a need to address important issues regarding the origin and trustworthiness and applicability of the Bible.  I think that the Church needs to do a better job helping young people walk through these issues and not simply present a collection of pat answers that represent all the things that are driving young people away from the Church in the first place.