The Twentysomething Soul: Understanding the Religious and Secular Lives of American Young Adults

by Tim Clydesdale, Kathleen Garces-Foley

Today's twentysomethings have been labeled the "lost generation" for their presumed inability to identify and lead fulfilling lives, "kidults" for their alleged refusal to "grow up" and accept adult responsibilities, and the "least religious generation" for their purported disinterest in religion and spirituality. These characterizations are not only unflattering -- they are wrong.

The Twentysomething Soul tells an optimistic story about American twentysomethings by introducing readers to the full spectrum of American young adults, many of whom live purposefully, responsibly, and reflectively. Some prioritize faith and involvement in a religious congregation. Others reject their childhood religion to explore alternatives and practice a personal spirituality. Still others sideline religion and spirituality until their lives get settled, or reject organized religion completely.Â

Drawing from interviews with more than 200 young adults, as well as national survey of 1,880 twentysomethings, Tim Clydesdale and Kathleen Garces-Foley seek to change the way we view contemporary young adults, giving an accurate and refreshing understanding of their religious, spiritual, and secular lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 2, 2019

Reviews

[Nina Fader · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, this book sat on my nightstand for weeeeeks before I... skimmed it. But since my eyes touched words on every page I am counting it as read. The book is based on a research study. It was interesting seeing the methodology at the end and all of the charts throughout the book. They repeated facts often. By this point I would say the study was outdated, but the overall trends could still be defended as true. I am glad the authors gave a lot of credit to twentysomethings, when society seems to have a negative connotation compared to other generations.

[Caroline Keys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very research heavy and I’m not too sure its validity on some claims. Interesting food for thought.
Lots of anecdotes on individuals rather than extrapolating for implications for our lives as Christians, or for analysis on the world around us.