Beyond Sunday: The Lived Experience of Gen Z Practicing Christians in The 21st Century
Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
De La Salle University
Track or Strand
Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Alano, Isabel Anne M.
Start Date
25-6-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-6-2025 2:30 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
https://zoom.us/j/94367113506?pwd=m4trayXxy1UGcK9rPm1Y1tMn95FZKy.1 Meeting ID: 943 6711 3506 Passcode: LCS-RESCON
Abstract/Executive Summary
This study investigates the lived experiences of Generation Z practicing Christians in the 21st century, examining how they sustain their faith amid secularization, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. Employing a phenomenological approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews with 5 Gen Z Practicing Christians revealed key themes: (1) their faith is characterized by a dynamic, personal relationship with God, nurtured through daily practices rather than rigid rituals; (2) they actively negotiate tensions between biblical values and secular culture, often prioritizing divine principles over societal expectations; (3) familial teachings and faith-based communities play foundational roles in shaping their spiritual identity; (4) personal struggles, including mental health crises and everyday temptations, serve as catalysts for resilience and spiritual growth; and (5) digital platforms are strategically utilized to access religious content, though participants exercise discernment to avoid conflicting ideologies. The findings highlight the adaptability of Gen Z Christians, who blend traditional beliefs with modern contexts while maintaining religious commitment. This research bridges gaps in understanding contemporary youth religiosity, offering insights for religious communities, educators, and policymakers to support faith resilience in an increasingly secular society.
Keywords
christianity; gen z; practicing Christian; navigating through secularism; lived experiences
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Living Culture and Contemporary Societies (LCS)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Beyond Sunday: The Lived Experience of Gen Z Practicing Christians in The 21st Century
This study investigates the lived experiences of Generation Z practicing Christians in the 21st century, examining how they sustain their faith amid secularization, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. Employing a phenomenological approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews with 5 Gen Z Practicing Christians revealed key themes: (1) their faith is characterized by a dynamic, personal relationship with God, nurtured through daily practices rather than rigid rituals; (2) they actively negotiate tensions between biblical values and secular culture, often prioritizing divine principles over societal expectations; (3) familial teachings and faith-based communities play foundational roles in shaping their spiritual identity; (4) personal struggles, including mental health crises and everyday temptations, serve as catalysts for resilience and spiritual growth; and (5) digital platforms are strategically utilized to access religious content, though participants exercise discernment to avoid conflicting ideologies. The findings highlight the adaptability of Gen Z Christians, who blend traditional beliefs with modern contexts while maintaining religious commitment. This research bridges gaps in understanding contemporary youth religiosity, offering insights for religious communities, educators, and policymakers to support faith resilience in an increasingly secular society.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_lcs/8
