Does Generation Z still believe in God? (Updated 2026)

Less religion, more questions

Let’s start with what’s clear. Research across Europe consistently shows that Generation Z is less religious than older generations, at least by traditional metrics. This isn’t just a minor dip; it’s a significant generational shift. The evidence is particularly strong when it comes to three key areas:

• Church attendance: Fewer young people are attending religious services regularly. What was once a weekly or even daily ritual for many of their grandparents is now an infrequent, or entirely absent, practice for Gen Z.
• Religious affiliation: A growing number of young Europeans do not identify with any specific religion. They are more likely to describe themselves as “nones” (having no religion), agnostic, or atheist compared to their parents and grandparents.
• Following traditional practices: Rituals and traditions that have been cornerstones of religious life for centuries, such as regular prayer, fasting, or observing specific holy days, are practiced less often by this generation.

This trend is part of a long-term shift in European society, where the influence of institutional religion has been declining for decades (Coutinho & Wilkins-Laflamme, 2023). But that’s only half the story, as declining institutional attachment doesn’t necessarily mean a complete absence of spirituality.

Belief isn’t gone, it’s changing

While many Gen Zers may not affiliate with a specific religion, this doesn’t signal a complete disappearance of belief. Instead, research indicates a significant shift in how they approach spirituality. Studies using European data (EVS 2017–2021) reveal that young people frequently embrace spiritual concepts—like the existence of a life force or a higher power—even if they don’t belong to a formal religious organization or actively practice its rituals (Coutinho & Wilkins-Laflamme, 2023).

This nuance is crucial. In fact, even among the growing number of young people who identify as having “no religion,” a considerable portion still reports some level of belief in God or a higher power, demonstrating a more personalized and less institutionalized form of faith (Madge & Hemming, 2017).

Therefore, it’s a misconception to label Gen Z as simply “atheist.” Their spiritual landscape is more complex, often characterized by a private, individualized belief system that exists outside the traditional confines of organized religion.

The Rise of “Spiritual but not Religious.”

Instead of outright rejecting belief, many young people are choosing to redefine it on their own terms. A growing number of Gen Zers, for example, describe themselves as “spiritual, but not religious.”

This signifies a major shift in how faith is perceived and practiced:

• Belief is becoming increasingly personal, rather than institutional. Individuals are less likely to follow a single, prescribed doctrine and more inclined to build a belief system that resonates with their personal values and experiences.
• People feel free to mix and match ideas from different religious and philosophical traditions. This “pick-and-mix” approach allows them to create a unique spiritual path that feels authentic to them.
• Faith is now less about rigid rules and more about finding meaning, shaping identity, and having profound personal experiences.

Recent research highlights this trend, showing that for young people, spirituality and religion are no longer seen as polar opposites. Instead, they are often blended in flexible, individualized ways, reflecting a broader quest for personal fulfillment and connection (Sbalchiero & Giordan, 2024).

TikTok, identity, and modern faith

Another significant factor is the internet. Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up entirely in the digital age, a reality that profoundly changes how belief systems are formed and evolve. Instead of primarily learning about religion and spirituality through traditional institutions like churches, temples, or mosques, young people now explore these complex ideas through a variety of accessible and engaging online platforms.

This digital exploration happens across numerous channels, including:

• TikTok: Where short, algorithm-driven videos can introduce spiritual concepts, religious humor, and personal testimonies to a massive audience in seconds.
• YouTube: A platform for in-depth content, offering everything from recorded sermons and theological lectures to vlogs from individuals documenting their spiritual journeys.
• Podcasts: Providing intimate, long-form discussions on faith, doubt, and alternative spiritual practices that listeners can engage with on their own terms.
• Online communities: Spaces like Reddit, Discord, and Facebook groups enable anonymous, open conversations about faith, fostering a sense of belonging outside physical congregations.

Emerging research suggests that these digital platforms are not just new channels for old information; they are fundamentally reshaping spirituality. The experience is becoming more interactive, with users actively participating in discussions; more emotional, as content often centers on personal feelings and experiences; and highly personalized, allowing individuals to craft a unique belief system that resonates with their personal identity (Liu et al., 2025).

So… Do Gen Z Still Believe in God?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it’s much more nuanced than that. While it’s true that a significant number of Gen Zers don’t adhere to organised religion as previous generations did, it doesn’t mean they’ve abandoned belief altogether. In fact, many still hold a firm belief in a higher power or some form of spirituality. For Gen Z, faith and belief are less about:

• Rules: They are less likely to follow rigid doctrines or prescribed religious laws.
• Institutions: There’s a growing scepticism towards traditional religious institutions and hierarchical structures.
• Tradition: They don’t feel bound to the religious traditions of their parents or grandparents.

And much more about:

• Personal Truth: Belief is a highly individual journey, focused on what feels authentic and true to them.
• Spirituality: They often explore a broader sense of spirituality that may or may not be connected to a specific religion.
• Meaning: Their focus is on finding purpose and meaning in their own lives, on their own terms.