Attitudes towards Religion among Gen Y and Gen Z: Implications to Religious Education

Bonnadelbert Antonio

doi:10.63130/hijcre.v2i1.182

Authors

Bonnadelbert Antonio Holy Angel University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0301-6655

Abstract

Generational studies have emerged as a field of research examining traits distinct to each generation, particularly among Millennials (Gen Y) and Centennials (Gen Z). In terms of attitudes and perceptions, Gen Y and Gen Z differ in varied degrees. Will there also be divergences in attitudes towards religion between the two generations? The study investigated the intricacies between Gen Y and Gen Z, specifically, their perceptions and attitudes towards religion and religiosity. The research employed a descriptive quantitative research method utilizing 200 respondents (100= Gen Y, and 100= Gen Z) from a Catholic university in Pampanga using purposive sampling technique. Data were gathered through the Filipino Students’ Attitudes Towards Religion [FSAR] Scale (Baring et al., 2018) and subjected to statistical treatment using mean percentages, standard deviation, and t-tests to determine disparities in their attitudes and perceptions. The results revealed no significant difference (P value= 0.73) in the overall mean responses between Gen Y and Gen Z informants regarding their attitudes towards religion. Despite being characterized as less religious, Filipino Gen Z, unlike their Western counterparts, still exhibit positive attitudes towards religion and religiosity. However, a high computed standard deviation (SD) of 1.13 for item 2: "A spiritual person is one who loves religion" indicated dispersed responses among Gen Z, showing a misperception between the terms 'religious' and 'spiritual.' With the increasing incidence of indifference towards religion among late Gen Z and the advent of the highly digitized Alpha generation, what significant challenges do religious educators face in addressing this concern?

Keywords:

generational attitudes, religion, religiosity, spirituality, religious education

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Author Biography

Bonnadelbert Antonio, Holy Angel University

Bonnadelbert A. Antonio is an Associate Professor of Theology at Holy Angel University, a position he has held since 1997. He earned his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from St. Anthony Mary Claret College of Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Asia and the Pacific, and a doctoral degree in Education with a specialization in Religious Education and Values Education from De La Salle University in Manila. His diverse research interests include Contextual Theology, Moral Theology, Feminist Theology, Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics, Axiology and Existential Phenomenology, as well as Environmental Studies.

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