A study conducted by the American Bible Society revealed that although Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2010) is the most anxious generation, reading the Bible helps them manage their anxiety levels. This research carried out in collaboration with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago assessed the anxiety levels of respondents from all generations on a scale of 0 to 20. Generation Z – the first to grow up with smartphones and tablets – had the highest score at 6.6, followed by Millennials at 6.1, Generation X at 5, and Baby Boomers at 3.3.
The main concerns for Gen Z include intense fears of grief and loss, family issues, trauma, stress, and financial hardships. Additionally, members of Gen Z report lower self-esteem compared to older generations. Conversely, those in Gen Z who read the Bible experience significantly lower anxiety levels than those who do not. On the anxiety scale, young people who engage with the Bible scored an average of 3.4, while those who do not, scored 7.1.
John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society, noted that “only 11% of Gen Z adults qualify as really being Scripture-engaged.” However, for those who consistently interact with the Bible, there are noticeable changes in their choices and relationships. Plake stated, “If you look at them and you look at their levels of clinical anxiety symptoms, what you notice is that for Scripture-engaged Gen Zers, their levels are comparable with the oldest Americans. So, it wipes out this generation gap. There’s something that happens when we begin to hear God speaking to us through His word that takes all of the anxieties and quiets them.”
At this stage of life, young people face numerous decisions that can significantly impact their future, both positively and negatively. However, by using the teachings of the Almighty as a guide, they can gain willpower and encouragement to make the right choices and overcome any challenges they encounter.
At the Universal Church, we have a dedicated group that offers various activities, projects, and spiritual support for young adults, and a central part of these initiatives involves meditation on the word of God. The Victory Youth Group (VYG) aims to support youth to thrive as they transition into adulthood. As part of the 30th Anniversary of the Universal Church in the United Kingdom, Bishop Celso Junior will hold the VYG Night Vigil: Next Generation, a special youth event taking place on Friday, 14 February, at 11pm, at the Cathedral of Miracles. Click here for more details.
Sources: https://washingtonstand.com/news/study-as-gen-zs-mental-health-struggles-continue-more-are-finding-solace-in-scripture
https://mbcpathway.com/2024/09/12/gen-z-most-fearful-anxious-but-scripture-halves-anxiety-study-shows/
