Young People Returning to Christianity

While the news often brings tales of tragedy, there’s a glimmer of hope emerging: an increasing number of young people seem to be gravitating back towards Christianity, particularly Catholicism.

Recent data indicates that young men are gradually reembracing their faith. I’ve heard numerous anecdotes of both young men and women reconnecting with the church or converting recently. Notably, Vice President J.D. Vance has shared his own journey to Catholicism in a new book. There are indeed signs that church attendance is on the rise.

Some historians propose that Christianity never truly vanished from American or Western culture. Instead, it has transformed into a form of liberal secular humanism, which emphasizes empathy, equality, and human rights—values often seen in certain Democratic circles.

For instance, the idea of “wokeness” is considered by some as a sort of secular salvation. I can’t help but recall the reaction in my town after George Floyd’s death in 2020, when people would kneel in public places, treating him almost like a saint. It’s fascinating—these individuals may not identify as Christian, yet they exhibit behaviors reminiscent of religious practices. After all, it seems that everyone finds something to worship, whether that’s a traditional deity or what nourishes their spirit.

Historian Tom Holland, who has written a popular book on Christianity’s legacy, posits that Christian values still shape contemporary society. Interestingly, he himself recently converted after a health scare, which he attributes to a miraculous experience.

After facing a potentially grave health issue, Holland sought a specialist who improved his situation. Still, he feels there was a divine element at play in his recovery.

He remarked, “This might be a coincidence, but I’m not ready to say it’s just that.” There’s something intriguing about the possibilities that lie beyond our everyday understanding. Holland finds value in the miraculous notion of divine intervention.

Whether one views his experience as miraculous or not, his transformation highlights a deep human desire for wisdom, mystery, and connection to a greater power, especially during challenging times. Amidst a materialistic culture, many yearn for spiritual fulfillment, which feels increasingly rare.

As Holland points out, while liberal humanism has roots in Christianity, it often lacks the ability to provide true solace. So perhaps it’s not so surprising that younger generations are gravitating back to the church—it seems they might need faith more than they realize.