Faith or Rejection? Gen Z’s Complex Relationship with Religion

In an era defined by unprecedented access to information and a growing emphasis on individual autonomy, Generation Z is reshaping the landscape of religion. 

Unlike previous generations, where religious beliefs were often inherited without question, Gen Z is engaging in a profound and critical examination of faith, challenging traditional institutions and forging their own paths towards spirituality. This generation, digital natives raised in a world of instant information, are approaching faith with a scrutiny unseen in prior eras. Scandals within religious organisations, perceived rigidity in doctrines, and instances of hypocrisy have led many to question whether organised religion genuinely aligns with their values.

While some are choosing to abandon formal religious structures entirely, others are embracing spirituality on their own terms, seeking a more personal and reflective experience. The experiences of young individuals highlight the complexities of this generational shift. Sam, a 23-year-old who grew up in a Pentecostal household, exemplifies the disillusionment that can arise when religious institutions fail to live up to their own teachings. While his father, a church elder, preached about love and kindness, Sam witnessed contradictions behind closed doors. 

"I watched my father preach about love and kindness every Sunday, but his actions at home told a different story," Sam recalls. "He spoke about integrity, yet had affairs. My mother forgave him repeatedly because she was told that's what faith demanded of her."

Disillusioned by this gap between doctrine and reality, Sam stepped away from organised religion, although he still holds a belief in a higher power. Like many in his generation, he distinguishes between faith and institutionalised religion, opting for spirituality free from constraints. "I believe in something greater than myself, but I don’t need a church to validate that," he states. Sam's experience echoes a broader trend among Gen Z, where skepticism toward religious institutions does not necessarily equate to the rejection of spirituality. 

Instead, many seek alternative ways to connect with a higher power, relying on personal reflection, meditation, or independent study rather than formal worship.

In contrast, Ifrah, 28, finds solace and stability in the traditions of Islam. Raised in a devout Muslim household, she values the rituals of prayer, fasting, and community as foundational aspects of her life. 

"When I pray, I feel grounded," she explains. "In a fast-moving world, faith slows me down and helps me focus." For Ifrah, the hijab is not a symbol of oppression but of empowerment, an active choice that affirms her beliefs. "People assume my hijab is forced upon me, but it’s my choice," she states. "It reminds me of who I am and what I stand for." 

Her perspective represents another segment of Gen Z: those who adhere to religious traditions despite societal pressures to conform to secular norms. For them, faith is not just about rules but about resilience, belonging, and purpose.

The experience of Grace, a pastor’s daughter turned gospel artist, illustrates the complex reality of religious expectations within deeply religious households. 

"In our family, faith wasn’t optional—it was expected," she says. "Church attendance, public devotion, and obedience were requirements." 

As the child of a church leader, every action she took was scrutinised. Any deviation from the prescribed path risked not only personal repercussions but could be seen as a reflection on her father’s ministry. "We weren’t allowed to be normal kids. Any mistake wasn’t just personal—it was a failure of the family," she explains. 

Even discipline within her household was framed within scripture, with Proverbs 13:24 ("spare the rod, spoil the child") used as justification for harsh punishment.

Despite these challenges, Grace does not reject her faith. Instead, she seeks a deeper, more personal connection with God, one that separates devotion from control. 

For others, religion serves as a lifeline in times of crisis. Dorcas, 22, struggled with severe depression as a teenager, battling feelings of isolation and despair. "I tried therapy. I tried medication. Nothing worked," she recalls. "One night, when I felt like I had nothing left, I just prayed." 

For Dorcas, religion provided something that clinical interventions could not—a sense of hope. Through prayer and community, she found solace and strength in her faith, an experience shared by many in Gen Z who turn to spirituality as a coping mechanism in an increasingly uncertain world. 

"Religion saved me. It reminded me I wasn’t alone," she says. 

As mental health challenges become more prevalent among young people, faith remains a powerful resource for those seeking comfort. Though skepticism toward religious institutions persists, personal spirituality continues to provide support for many. Senior pastor Daniel Kimeu, who has worked extensively with Gen Z, acknowledges their frustrations but argues that the issue is not religion itself—it is how it has been presented. 

"Faith is not the problem," he says. "It’s the rigidity, the lack of transparency, and the failure to adapt to the evolving needs of young people." 

He contends that institutions must evolve to meet the spiritual needs of a generation that values authenticity and personal experience. The evolving landscape of faith among Gen Z is characterised by a rejection of unquestioned adherence and a prioritisation of individual exploration and personal connection. This generation is redefining what faith means, challenging traditions, exploring spirituality outside established norms, and forging individual paths toward belief.