Introduction The traditional American religious landscape has changed significantly over the past several years. Televised worship services are becoming more common, globalization has brought a dizzying array of new religions into America (Globalizing the Sacred) and the internet is allowing people to learn about new traditions in private. These changes are resulting in more Americans identifying themselves as spiritual, but not affiliated with a particular religion (Oshatz). The Millennial generation is finding themselves right in the midst of this religious “...floating…” (Mosier). As Millennials seek meaningful experiences outside of traditional denominational churches, they are exploring different traditions, but find missing the
…show more content…
The Millennial generation, as defined by Pew Reports, were born between 1981 and 1996 (Comparing Millennials). Often often viewed as a generation of entitlement, or referred to as spoiled, the Millennials are really a generation of self-reliance and independence. The Millennials have matured in a world very different than that of older generations. For a good portion of their lives, Millennials have been exposed to such tragedies as the 9/11 terrorist attack, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, and the Boston bombing. Coupled with the economic crash in 2008, Millennials began to see life as fragile and temporary and happiness as fleeting. They began to view the world as unstable, resulting in a ripple effect which drastically changed the Millennial lifestyles. This generation lives for today, rather than planning for the future, they find pleasure in the moment, rather than living to ensure everlasting life, and they search for meaning and significance in every experience (Callero, p. 111). Parents are supporting the Millennials longer in life, while at the same time encouraging them to be confident, define their own paths, and be their own person. This results in a very confused, but independent generation. However, in spite of, or as a result of, the struggles, the tragedies and heartaches, this independent generation still longs for connections, meaning, significance and, ultimately,
The Millennial generation, as defined by Pew Reports, were born between 1981 and 1996 (Comparing Millennials). Often often viewed as a generation of entitlement, or referred to as spoiled, the Millennials are really a generation of self-reliance and independence. The Millennials have matured in a world very different than that of older generations. For a good portion of their lives, Millennials have been exposed to such tragedies as the 9/11 terrorist attack, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, and the Boston bombing. Coupled with the economic crash in 2008, Millennials began to see life as fragile and temporary and happiness as fleeting. They began to view the world as unstable, resulting in a ripple effect which drastically changed the Millennial lifestyles. This generation lives for today, rather than planning for the future, they find pleasure in the moment, rather than living to ensure everlasting life, and they search for meaning and significance in every experience (Callero, p. 111). Parents are supporting the Millennials longer in life, while at the same time encouraging them to be confident, define their own paths, and be their own person. This results in a very confused, but independent generation. However, in spite of, or as a result of, the struggles, the tragedies and heartaches, this independent generation still longs for connections, meaning, significance and, ultimately,