JUDY WOODRUFF: Finally, as the worlds Christians begin Lent, a six-week period of introspection in preparation for Easter, reflections from Casper ter Kuile, a researcher at Harvard University, who shares his humble opinion on the soul survival happening outside Americas churches. <\/p>\n
CASPER TER KUILE, Harvard University: I grew up never going to church. <\/p>\n
And as a 30-year-old married man, I still dont, not because I dont value reflection, community, even the experience of the divine. I do. But traditional religious congregations dont appeal to me. And Im not alone. <\/p>\n
Millennials are turning away from religion faster than any other age group. And according to the Pew Research Center, more than a third of Americans between 18 and 35 are now unaffiliated, meaning, when asked on a survey what religious identity they hold, they answer none of the above. <\/p>\n
But whats really interesting is that the overwhelming majority of us nones arent necessarily atheists. Two-thirds believe in God or a universal spirit, and one in five even pray every day. <\/p>\n
We arent young people who hate religion. Its a growing group that feel like they have been left behind by religious institutions. <\/p>\n
In a move that confused a lot of my friends and family, I have found countless examples of other millennials creating new forms of community that often fulfill the same functions that a traditional religious group would have. <\/p>\n
And they come in all shapes and sizes. It might be a regular meal with strangers to share honestly ones experience after losing a loved one, like the organization The Dinner Party. Within a few years, The Dinner Party has spread to 116 cities across the U.S. hosted by volunteers who create sacred spaces for their guests. <\/p>\n
It might be lifting weights and climbing ropes five mornings a week like at CrossFit. And if you have a friend involved in a CrossFit, you will know how evangelical that community is. <\/p>\n
Or it might be experiencing healing and forgiveness through movement and meditation at Afro Flow Yoga. <\/p>\n
Each of these communities and others like them shape participants world views, ethics and behaviors. And in a culture where many are hungry for connection, these communities offer the experience of being part of something bigger than themselves, what some theologians might describe as experiencing the divine. <\/p>\n
Now, you may dismiss these communities as simple entertainment, but were convinced that this is the new face of religious life in America. Just as you would expect in a religious congregation, people in these communities build friendships and drive one another to the hospital when they need a ride. <\/p>\n
They help each other raise money to fight cancer. And some are even getting involved in struggles for more affordable housing. While a few thousand churches close every year, many fewer open. So, as you drive through your town and notice an empty house of worship, pay attention next time you see a community workspace, a climbing gym or a micro-brewery. <\/p>\n
They may just be the new center of soulful community that you have been looking for. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
More here:<\/p>\n
Millennials haven't forgotten spirituality, they're just looking for new venues - PBS NewsHour<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" JUDY WOODRUFF: Finally, as the worlds Christians begin Lent, a six-week period of introspection in preparation for Easter, reflections from Casper ter Kuile, a researcher at Harvard University, who shares his humble opinion on the soul survival happening outside Americas churches. CASPER TER KUILE, Harvard University: I grew up never going to church. Continue reading