Today: The Return Of Religion

Church is hipper than ever, and belonging to a church is now as popular as being a regular at a particular nightclub used to be - but for different reasons. People seek churches for respite, but also for social intercourse. This should make attracting new members easier, but the reality is that people who seek religion and spiritual guidance are more open in their search and consider religions and sects that are not necessarily traditional or what they were raised with.

There is a lot of religious experimenting going on among young people. The reasons are:

1. There are more singles than ever. Men and women are divorced more than ever, and more often than ever. Some men and women divorce more than once leaving them single at several times in their lives, not to mention those who are widowed. Not only are these men and women single, but they’re in transition, a time when it is natural to look for support in places like religion.

2. Men and women have more on their plates these days within a family. Women are often wives, mothers and breadwinners, as well as step-mothers, daughters, sisters, neighbors and other roles. Men are often all husbands, fathers, breadwinners, step-fathers, boyfriends, brothers and neighbors, among other roles. They all multi-task and get less sleep than ever. Religion is a place to look for a respite to stress and the complications that these roles bring.

3. Religion is a natural place to look for answers in times of world terrorism and other less global, but community-affecting concerns. A religious retreat is a good way to look for answers and support, as well as to meet others with the same concerns, which not only bolsters healing, but creates peace-keeping teams.