Chapter 3: Reaching A Changing Congregation
Generation Z has a different relationship with religion than in the past. They often get their sense of morals and beliefs from a myriad of sources.
Solution: The military must tap into new, non-traditional outlets like influencers to reach Zoomers.
Regardless of the various views on religion, one undeniable fact is that Generation Z is poised to be the least religious generation in the history of America. As a practicing Jew who had a Bar Mitzvah and attempts to observe the Sabbath every week, I’ve watched my faith leaders decry the “great secularization” of today’s youth. Many of my Christian, Hindu, and Muslim peers have witnessed a similar trend. Without exploring the causes of this, the military should recognize and adapt accordingly.
Religion and the United States military have long been linked together. Our citizens were religious, so naturally, the military was, too. The close connection between beliefs in God and the afterlife to the permanent and often deadly nature of warfare may also explain the intense relationship. War is the most horrible and dangerous act humans engage in. With our strong survival instincts and terror of dying,[1] religion often helps bring meaning to the actions armies are forced to commit. The military has long fought to bring the religious freedoms experienced here in the United States to nations we've fought for and against. It has also gone to great lengths to support servicemembers' religious practices, sometimes even in dangerous combat situations. The military officially recognizes over 220 religions[2] (including atheism) and has a large and diverse chaplain corps of ~2,800 faith leaders. Sadly, even the Chaplain corps is now facing recruitment issues…
[1] Becker, Ernest. The Denial of Death. New York: Free Press, 1973.
[2] Winston, Kimberly. “Defense Department Expands Its List of Recognized Religions.” Religion News Service, April 23, 2017. https://religionnews.com/2017/04/21/defense-department-expands-its-list-of-recognized-religions/.
