Youth and religion. An international perspective

摘要: The sociological study of youth religion is a growing field research. This article concerned with the nature young people’s believing and belonging its place in their everyday lives. It begins by considering growth significance increased religious diversity among people. goes on to explore belief practice people who have nominal or no identity. Significant shaping both non-religious attitudes approach cultural trend towards individualization subjectivity. In this context shift from religiosity spirituality considered. 1. Sociological interest Over last twenty years relationship has begun flourish. Prior that, was somewhat neglected as topic study. Sociologists preferred concentrate spectacular, deviant problematic aspects lives, not seen being particularly pertinent such concerns. Equally, sociologists overlooked because few were be found church. Studies New Religious Movements (NRMs) provided some information youthful engagement insofar converts groups generally adults. However, numbers involved NRMs small research therefore left many questions about unexplored. empirical largely educationalists, psychologists theologians education, faith development transmission. During 1990s, however, things changed (or not) started claim sociologists’ attention. Three factors stand out significant for stimulating current interest. First, changing profile across Western world.While traditional expressions Christianity declined most countries, become more salient so younger raises emerging identities, role education community relations. Second, wake number terror attacks West linked extremism, there concern understand radicalisation religiously minded youth. Third, alongside diversity, societies rapid rise people, again young, fail identify any organised at all.What means practice, transmission faith, whether are finding alternative sources outside religions an important area debate contemporary sociology focus innovative programmes. purpose present overview developing issues challenges future studies.