Ronald Reagan once cited the saying, “If the elders have not corrected the mistakes of the youth, there will be no nation.” This sentiment truly resonates when reflecting on the missteps we often see. Generation Z has, perhaps unfairly, garnered a reputation that doesn’t always reflect reality. Recently, Greta Thunberg, a well-known activist, paused her carbon criticism to address the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Meanwhile, Olivia Juliana, a prominent Gen Z Democratic influencer, strives to reshape her party’s image by advocating for abortion access and expressing her support for movements like Black Lives Matter.
The idea of being “Christian First, Conservative Second” isn’t merely a political compromise. It lays the groundwork for cultural authority, yet it often seems to barely scratch the surface. A quick look at platforms like TikTok shows numerous under-30 users flaunting the “influencer” title despite lacking real influence. Their gaffes tend to be unflattering.
So, where does this leave the Christian Zoomer? The extremes of modern “influencers” present a challenging landscape. While the solution sounds straightforward—integrating Christian values into our systems while resisting non-constructive influences—the reality is more complex. Skills that make one viral online often clash with those that instigate real change. Sharing posts about corporate diversity initiatives is easy, but advocating for tangible shifts in corporate practices is a different arena entirely.
Adding to the picture, there’s also a troubling apathy in Generation Z. In light of the economic fallout from COVID-19 and dire climate forecasts, it’s easy to understand the hesitation to engage in political discourse. The Wall Street Journal describes them as “America’s most disillusioned voters,” who may not show up to vote but are certainly active on social media. A recent analysis implies a need for campaigns to convert online advocacy into real-world voting actions—a strategy that feels necessary when genuine concern is lacking.
For Christians in this generation, the response should lean towards action rather than indifference. Embracing the conviction that “Christ is King” doesn’t permit passivity; it invites engagement. Here are some ways Christian Zoomers can navigate the pitfalls of performative activism or disengagement:
First, seek wisdom from credible sources, not influencers. Social media personalities don’t always have the answers. Instead, look for individuals who possess practical experience or specialized knowledge.
Second, become involved in local churches. A weekly service, meaningful mentorship, and community rhythms are vital, especially for young believers in a secular environment. Finding a church that prioritizes sharing the gospel and fosters intergenerational relationships can be greatly beneficial.
Third, pay attention to local elections. You don’t need to be a political fanatic, but understanding local and state policies is essential since they have a more immediate impact on daily life compared to the often chaotic national politics.
Next, reflect before sharing on social media. It’s easy to virtue signal through various trending topics. Ask yourself if you’re actively contributing to the issue in your community; if not, consider taking action first before broadcasting your opinions.
Another practical step is to cultivate friendships with those who may hold different views. While being surrounded by like-minded individuals is comfortable, having diverse perspectives fosters understanding and resilience against tribalism. Often, those with opposing views are not adversaries; learning to humanize differing opinions is a crucial discipline.
Lastly, commit to serving in your community. Local organizations that focus on issues like human trafficking or social justice often need hands-on help. It’s easy to vocally criticize societal issues, but genuine service requires time and dedication.
Our generation seems to flip between intense political engagement and complete disinterest, an imbalance reflecting flawed approaches to meaningful action. Political indifference can make one feel superior for staying above the fray, while hyper-engagement can lead to a misguided belief that passion equates to moral integrity. Both mindsets are misguided.
As Christians, if we desire to make a real impact culturally, we must steer clear of evaluating our success against secular benchmarks or limiting our mission to those frameworks. The notion of being “Christian First, Conservative Second” is more than just a political stance; it’s a foundation for cultural authority. It calls for active participation, acknowledging that every human is made in the image of God, which compels us to pursue justice, mercy, and truth. Our beliefs should guide our political engagement—not the other way around. And in the face of anti-Christian values, affirming our beliefs becomes even more critical.
