The State of Religion & Young People 2023 Is Almost Here!

Posted November 2, 2023

Next Tuesday, November 7, we launch our newest report!

The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred reveals the latest insights on what young people ages 13 to 25 are thinking, feeling, doing, and believing when it comes to their religious and spiritual lives. This report takes an in-depth look at young people’s relationship to the sacred and how it manifests in their lives.

We surveyed more than 4,000 young people and conducted interviews to learn about what they consider sacred, what sacred moments look like, and how these moments impact their well-being. This report introduces our newest concept—Sacred Sensibility, or young people’s ability to see, appreciate, and respond to the sacred—and shows how adults can apply this perspective to maximize the benefits of their work with young people.

Preorder today (November 2) from our website, and you’ll get access to an exclusive video from our research team.

Also, join us November 7 at 12 p.m. ET for a live launch event on our YouTube channel. Director Dr. Tricia Bruce, Senior Research Associate Dr. Nabil Tueme, and Head Writer Dr. Angela Patterson will discuss what we uncovered in The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred and how this information can affect and empower the work adults do with young people right now.

Check out My Sacred Space Gallery, featuring 100 original photos and descriptions submitted by young people ages 13 to 25 depicting the spaces they consider sacred. Springtide Ambassadors curated this gallery from the various submissions we received.

Age 16

My photo that I would describe as my sacred space is my dog. I find that he is sacred because he is always there to support me emotionally. I hold him dear to me because I got him unexpectedly, my parents surprised me with him and I have always wanted a dog. When I was going through a rough time in my life he was always there for me to put a smile on my face.

Age 21

Music in an ensemble is the place where I am my most creative, most vulnerable, and most 1connected with those around me.

Age 16

This photo was taken by me at a beach in Portugal. I love the beach and how calm the waves are. It is so peaceful and such a nice place to sit and think to myself. Every time I am at a beach I think of the story where it talks about walking in the sand by yourself but seeing two sets of footprints. It reminds me that I am never alone but instead I am always with God.

Age 15

The lake makes me feel calm.

Age 24

This lake near my childhood home is a special place to me, where I’ve often gone to pray and reflect.

Age 14

I chose Disney because I always feel comfortable to be myself and feel like a kid again.