Some Characteristics of the Religiosity and Spirituality of Millennials

I thought that this TED talk was particularly enlightening and good in identifying some dominant characteristics of the religiosity or spirituality of millennials.

(Some salient points from an online TED talk of Prof. Paul Robertson of New Hampshire University)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmLbD3m6Z3w&t=0s&list=WL&index=15

No less religious-spiritual than other generations! With regard to 'beliefs and practices', millennials are no less religious-spiritual than other generations. The factor that sets them apart is that their beliefs and practices are removed from institutionalized-organized religion and are more individual, private and independent.

Functionalism - religion's value is the function that it performs in society. Society is an organism. Religion enables society as an organism to function properly. It’s like football in New England (the speaker’s local context). When Sunday comes, you know how to dress, what to do, where to go, who to root for or against, etc. 'Football', functionally speaking, plays a huge role in New England. Religion does a similar thing when considered from the point of view of functionalism.

Structuralism - our institutions, beliefs and practices form a structure so that when we are “in this structure” we know where we are located, what role we have to play in this incredibly complex universe. Religions create such a structure. You don't have to inquire about everything anymore. A structure "puts you in your place" and you know it. However, nowadays, when people (especially the youth) are not religious anymore (in a structural way), the meaning of life is not so clear anymore. People don't know their "place" in the universe anymore. The traditional religious view is that we are "imago dei." Is it any wonder that the instances of depression are more numerous today today than in ages past?

SBNR - among millennials, 72% say they're "spiritual but not religious".  In short, many still believe that there's something bigger than themselves. Millennials, although not religious, still believe that there's a "bigger meaning" to life. IN SHORT, WE ARE AS RELIGIOUS AS EVER!