The Brian Lehrer Show Is There a Youth Christian Revival?
Apr 3, 2026
Luis Perales, staff writer at The Atlantic who covers culture and religion, explores whether Gen Z is experiencing a Christian revival. He contrasts national data with local pockets of growth. Conversations cover college ministries as refuge from careerism, rising unaffiliated rates among young people, and how small congregations shape broader trends.
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Young Adults Gather For In Vino Veritas At St Josephs
- St. Joseph's in Greenwich Village runs In Vino Veritas for 18–35 year olds exploring faith through conversation and culture.
- Father Jonah Teller describes sessions on virtue, art, church history and poems that spark Catholic enthusiasm.
Nationwide Religious Numbers Are Stable Not Reviving
- Nationwide religion decline has stabilized rather than reversed in recent years.
- Luis Perales cites Pew and Gallup showing Christians steady around 60% and unaffiliated just under 30%, contradicting broad 'revival' claims.
Childhood Religious Exposure Predicts Adult Faith
- Religious disaffiliation often stems from sociological changes, not just political disagreements.
- Perales points to less religious childhood practices (fewer Sunday schools, prayers) as a major factor reducing adult religiosity.
