In a cultural shift few expected, signs of growing spiritual engagement are appearing across the United States, led by the young adults of Generation Z.

After years of rising secularism and religious disaffiliation, younger Americans are emerging as leaders in a renewed wave of spiritual exploration, increasingly drawn to Christianity, scripture, and stories about Jesus, CBN reported.

Across the last fifty years, the trend in American society was marked by decreasing belief in God and rising irreligion. Sociologists called it “the rise of the nones,” referring to people who claimed no religious affiliation. By 2021, nearly one in three Americans identified this way.

That trend appears to be shifting. According to new data from the National Opinion Research Center, Generation Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—is experiencing what some researchers call a rediscovery of faith. The same data show the spike in spiritual interest is strongest among younger adults seeking meaning as they navigate life’s pressures.

One key factor driving this change is a noted increase in Bible reading. John Plake of the American Bible Society reports that for the first time since 2021, the number of people engaging with scripture is growing, especially among men and Gen Z adults. “People are curious about the Bible and Jesus,” he said.

Gen Z turns to scripture for meaning and hope

This rise in scriptural interest also aligns with Bible sales figures. According to BookScan, Bible purchases rose by 22 percent last year, while the broader publishing market remained flat. Analysts attribute much of this growth to the youngest adult demographic.

Spiritual longing appears to be a central driver of this renewed interest. Decades marked by anxiety, isolation, and digital overload have left many younger Americans searching for deeper connections. Mental health researcher Jonathan Haidt, in his book The Anxious Generation, traces much of today’s youth suffering to the pressures of social media and smartphone use.

Though Haidt identifies as an atheist, he acknowledges the psychological value of spiritual practices. He is among a growing number of secular thinkers urging Americans to reengage in traditions that foster meaning and emotional resilience—even if they don’t involve formal belief.

Study shows commitment to Jesus on the rise

Findings from a recent Barna study indicate that this interest in Jesus is not superficial. Two-thirds of all U.S. adults now say they maintain a personal relationship with Jesus, a 12-point jump since 2021. The rise is especially driven by younger believers.

This development points to a broader spiritual renewal taking root in the country, cutting across both religious and formerly nonreligious populations. Many people, including those with no prior religious involvement, are beginning to explore the teachings of Christianity.

Lauren Jackson, writing in a New York Times editorial, noted that America’s near-secularization over recent decades was a significant cultural transformation. Yet she also observed how those distanced from religion often report feeling less peace, joy, and gratitude, fueling a hunger for something more.

Media expansion brings new eyes to Jesus

This shift isn’t taking place in churches alone. Digital media, particularly the popular TV series The Chosen, is playing a significant role in stirring public interest in Jesus. The show presents stories from Jesus' life in a personal and accessible way, attracting both believers and skeptics alike.

Data show that roughly one-third of viewers who have watched at least part of the series are not Christians. Yet the show’s portrayal of Jesus as a relatable figure is motivating many viewers, including former Christians, to reconsider the faith they once left behind.

Stan Jantz, Global Ambassador of the nonprofit Come and See, says the goal is to share Jesus' story with one billion people through the series. “Nobody becomes a Christian because they lose the argument,” said John Plake, expressing the idea that many are drawn into faith through personal journeys, not debates.

Loneliness and anxiety drive spiritual curiosity

Evidence suggests that Gen Z’s increased interest in Christianity is influenced by the emotional landscape they’ve inherited. Reports highlight high rates of loneliness and mental health challenges among younger Americans, heightened by years immersed in digital life.

Christian Paz of Vox explains that members of Gen Z who feel isolated or disconnected may be turning toward religion for community and belonging. For many, organized faith offers bonds that technology-driven lives often lack.

While doubt and distrust in institutions persist, the appeal of spiritual connection remains. Lauren Jackson noted in her op-ed that individuals low on religiosity often feel less awe and spiritual peace than their peers—a gap that may motivate exploration, even among skeptics.

A changing national conversation on faith

What was once considered a steady decline in American faith is beginning to look more like a transformation than a disappearance. With new generations driving interest in Jesus and scripture, the conversation around religion in the U.S. is shifting.

Whether the trend represents a short-term reaction or marks a long-term revival remains to be seen. But the numbers suggest a definite change in direction—one where more Americans are rethinking what they believe and why it matters.