Evangelical Protestant Teens Are More Religious Than Their Non-Religious Peers
Religion and Anointed Youth is an accessible, in-depth look at the relationship between religion and youth. With chapters on different methodological approaches, this book will be of interest to students of religion and young people. It argues that religion and youth are interrelated and that they share common values. But how does this relation play out in different settings and cultures? And what do students do to explore their own faith? The answer to these questions may surprise you.
Evangelical Protestant teens are more religious than other teens
Evangelical Protestant teens differ from other teens in nearly every area. Compared with mainline Protestant and Catholic teenagers, they are more likely to use their religious beliefs and teachings to make ethical decisions. Among these teens, seven in ten say they are absolutely certain that God exists. And while mainline Protestant teens and Catholic teens use their common sense to make decisions, most evangelicals do not. Evangelical Protestant teens also say they find their morality in religion rather than in popular culture.
The results of the study show that the Evangelical Protestant youth is significantly more religious than other teenagers. This finding is mirrored by studies in other countries. According to the study, black Protestant teenagers are more religious than other teens, while teens from mainline denominations are more likely to agree with the findings. The findings of the study are especially important for evangelical Protestant leaders who want to understand the role of religion in the lives of today’s teenagers. However, it’s important to remember that the differences are not just racial.
Evangelical Protestant teens feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being
The religious beliefs of teenagers vary widely. Catholics are the most religious group, with 80% of them saying the prayer before meals and thinking about what it means to be alive. Evangelical Protestants are the least religious, with only 13% feeling this way. Evangelical Protestant teens also report greater levels of gratitude than Catholics. Their parents are generally more religious, but they are more likely to share the same religious beliefs.
Evangelical Protestant teenagers are more religious than their mainline Protestant peers, with 75% of them reporting regular feelings of spiritual peace and well-being. Compared with mainline Protestant and unaffiliated teens, these youths are more likely to look to religious teachings for ethical decisions. Evangelical teens also feel a deeper sense of spiritual peace and well-being.
Evangelical Protestant teens are somewhat more accepting than mainline Protestants and Catholics
Compared with other Christian denominations, evangelical adolescents are more likely to look to religion to decide what is right and wrong. Nearly four out of 10 cite their religious beliefs as a guide, and half cite practical experience as their reason. Evangelical teens are also more likely to rely on religious institutions and leaders than any other group. Moreover, almost a quarter of evangelical teens say that their religious leaders are important in making ethical decisions. In contrast, mainline Protestant and Catholic teens are more likely to look to their parents and other institutions for guidance, and a small minority of them say that they are unsure about their own faith.
While there are some differences, the most significant ones relate to joining an evangelical congregation. Although the strength of these associations is moderate, they are still significant. The odds of joining an evangelical congregation are lower than those of a mainline Protestant or Catholic denomination, and the difference is even stronger when the religious upbringing of the parents is taken into account. However, this does not mean that evangelicals are more accepting than Catholics and mainline Protestants.
Evangelical Protestant teens have received their religious emblem
A new study shows that Evangelical Protestant teenagers are more religious than their non-religious peers. They are more likely to engage in religious education and participate in religious youth groups, and their sense of faith is more deeply embedded. Among Evangelical Protestants, seven in ten report experiencing regular spiritual peace and well-being. Comparatively, mainline Protestants and non-religious teens are less likely to report these feelings regularly. Additionally, they are more likely to rely on religious teachings when making ethical decisions.
Evangelicals tend to read the Bible literally, placing a strong emphasis on personal salvation. Evangelicals tend to line up on the conservative side of social issues. They oppose abortion, even in the most egregious cases, and they distrust climate change. Evangelicals also tend to vote Republican and tend to believe that Sarah Palin is smarter than Elizabeth Warren. It’s not surprising that Evangelical Protestants have a stronger sense of identity than many people outside the evangelical movement.
