Supporting young people’s growing interest in the Bible
It’s normal and natural for young people to yearn for and glimpse their direct relation to the Divine.
Last year, Newsweek magazine reported a growing trend among young people: a surprising interest in and intentional engagement with the Scriptures (see Melissa Fleur Afshar, “Are Gen Zers Becoming More Religious?” April 18, 2025). Recently, I met a young college student who had considered herself an atheist but was now studying the Bible. We talked a bit about Jesus and his healings. She responded, “How can we expect to heal? Jesus healed because he is God. We are not God.”
A fair question, based on the widespread theological belief to that effect. Yet Jesus identified himself as the Son of God, not God, and clearly showed his followers that a right understanding of God was practical for their daily lives. It would enable them to heal through spiritual means alone. In sending his disciples out on their own, for example, he said: “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7, 8). He also said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12). After Jesus’ ascension, his disciples continued to heal others.
New generations are looking for a Christianity that has substance and is practical.
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