Gen Z is encountering faith in unexpected places, from TikTok feeds and Instagram accounts to college campuses and personal Bible reading. Belief in God among this generation rose from 28% in 2018 to nearly 49% by 2024, while Bible sales jumped 36% and 64% now engage with Christian social media. Campus revivals have reached over 20 schools, and young adults attend church more frequently than older generations, averaging 1.8 times monthly. This shift combines digital platforms with traditional practices, creating new pathways to spiritual connection that reflect both cultural change and timeless seeking.
After decades of declining religious participation among young people, an unexpected reversal is taking shape. Belief in God or a higher power among Gen Z rose from approximately 28% in 2018 to nearly 49% by 2024, representing a substantial shift over six years. According to the Springtide Research Institute, one in three Gen Z adults now believe in a higher power, up from one in four in 2021.
Gen Z belief in God or a higher power surged from 28% to 49% between 2018 and 2024, reversing decades of decline.
The change extends beyond abstract belief into measurable practice. Gen Z and Millennials now attend church more frequently than Baby Boomers and Gen X, reversing the previous decade’s downward trend. Young adults report attending church an average of 1.8 to 1.9 times per month. Personal relationships with Jesus among Gen Z increased 12% since 2021, while Bible sales in this demographic jumped 36%.
Digital platforms are reshaping how this generation encounters faith. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram drive new forms of religious discourse, with 64% of Gen Z engaging with Christian social media accounts. Faith leaders and young believers use these channels to share ideas that resonate culturally with their peers. Despite Gen Z’s reputation for abandoning traditional media, 41% listen to Christian radio, a figure researchers find encouraging.
Scripture engagement remains central to this revival. Bible reading was identified by 83% of surveyed Gen Z students as a top faith tool, alongside church attendance and Christian music. Only 27% of 18 to 24-year-olds pray daily, suggesting participation patterns differ from previous generations. Bible sales in 2025 exceeded 10 million copies, over one million more than 2024.
Campus movements illustrate the collective dimension of this shift. A revival that started in 2024 reached over 20 campuses with thousands of Gen Z participants. Young men are increasingly seeking conservative Christian churches as places to find security in an uncertain world, marking a departure from historical patterns where women were generally more religious. Campus spiritual life organizations are experiencing upticks in involvement from students seeking community and meaningful connections.
The overall decline in religious affiliation has slowed, marking a stabilization trend after decades of decreasing religiosity. While approximately 46% of 18 to 24-year-olds identify as Christian, the trajectory suggests something significant is occurring within this generation’s relationship to faith. Many young believers are also exploring faith through practical expressions like generosity and stewardship that connect belief to everyday life.
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