Millennials are the age group loosely defined as being born between the years of 1980 and 1996. With the oldest millennials turning 40 this year, this age group is often a focus of study when it comes to trends in economics, employment, and other sociological topics such as religion. Studies show that many from this generation are abandoning the faiths and traditions that they grew up with, and this is certainly true for Black millennials. For a variety of reasons, Black millennial faith is moving toward spirituality and various African religious traditions.
Embracing Spirituality
For many Black people, including those from the Caribbean and Africa, religion was a major part of their upbringing. A recent study involving over 160 Black women revealed that spirituality was a major factor in their sense of mental health and well-being. Most of the participants drew a distinction between religion that involved doctrine and adherence to a prescribed set of beliefs, and spirituality that encompassed a relationship with a higher power. Although many of the participants identified with a particular religion, 75% of them considered themselves to be fairly to very spiritual and credited spirituality as the source of their psychological well-being.
Exploring African Religions
More Blacks in their 20s and 30s are finding themselves unfulfilled by Abrahamic faiths, especially with respect to long-held stances on issues such as women in leadership and LGBTQ+ rights. Scrutiny of the history of the Christian Church, especially with respect to the transatlantic slave trade, has led many to move away from Christian doctrines and toward interest in African religious traditions that predate the introduction of Christianity to West African peoples. Recognizing that enslaved Africans were often punished for non-Christian practices and rituals, some Blacks are exploring religious traditions such as Yoruba, which includes worship of various deities known as Orishas, as well as syncretic offshoots such as Haitian Vodou, Cuban Santeria, and even New Orleans Voodoo. In digital spaces, more Black Millennials, including those from Africa and the Caribbean, are connecting to explore and practice these West African religions. These online safe spaces provide an opportunity to share information away from the scrutiny and criticism of older Black Christians and without fear of cultural appropriation.
Developing a DIY-Faith Walk
Some Black millennials are taking the idea of “working out one’s salvation” to heart by merging practices from various faiths to form their own walk. They are finding inspiration in aspects of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and other traditional religions as well as practices from ancient African and Eastern religions. From affirming prayers with a simple “amen and ase” (taken from the Yoruban concept of making things happen) to worship that merges gospel and secular music, many Black adults in their 20s to 40s are finding significance and inspiration in their faith practices by blending ideas. Recognizing that many Christian traditions have pagan roots and influences empowers many millennials across racial and ethnic boundaries to redefine what their spiritual life is and isn’t. In a few years, it may be less uncommon to attend a Christian church that makes use of crystals, sage burning and rituals that have pagan origins.
Abandoning Religion Altogether
Some millennials of color are also leaving religion altogether. Driven away by racism, cultural erasure, anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes, anti-intellectualism, and church hurt, they are focused on unlearning what they believe to be religious dogma that hasn’t served them or their communities. Many view Western Christianity in particular to be a vehicle for white supremacy, capitalism, and other ideals that serve only to subjugate marginalized persons.
Millennials and their relationship with religion make an interesting study. Black millennial faith is creating its own faith experience with influences from various ideas and traditions, and it will be interesting to see how religious practices continue to diverge.