(ZENIT News / Berlin, 18.10.2024).- Shell’s latest Youth Study reflects a complex reality among young people in Germany, marked by growing distrust of religion and an increase of fear of war conflicts. However, it’s not all pessimism: youths also show a renewed interest in politics and firmness in their values, although increasingly removed from religion.
Fear of War and Poverty Grows
One of the Report’s most striking findings is the dramatic increase of concern over a possible war in Europe. In 2019 only 46% of German young people feared this possibility; in 2024 this fear increased to 81%, reflecting a growing global uncertainty and the proximity of the conflict in Ukraine. The threat of poverty has also gained ground, with 67% of young people expressing fear over their economic future.
Religious Faith in Decline
A profound change highlighted by the study is the constant diminution of the importance of faith in God among Christian young people, especially among Catholics. Whereas in 2002, 51% of young Catholics considered faith in God as fundamental in their lives, in 2024 only 38% thought so. The tendency is similar among Protestant young people, reflecting a growing disengagement with traditional beliefs.
In contrast, faith among Muslim young people continues being solid and is even increasing. For 79% of Muslim young people, faith in God is crucial, and many of them integrated it in their daily life through practices such as frequent prayer. This contrast underscores a phenomenon of cultural and religious integration, whereas faith in Christian religious institutions is weakening.
Crisis of Identity or Evolution?
Not only does the study show a moving away from religion, but also a growing mistrust of religious institutions. German young people show more trust in the Government, the European Union and even banks than in Churches. This change reflects a transformation in the values of youth, who seem to be looking for answers in other realms, such as politics and social activism.
The loss of religious faith notwithstanding, German young people are more committed politically than in previous years. 51% of them are actively informed about political topics, a figure that has increased significantly from the 36% registered in 2019. Young people are more pragmatic and, although many are disenchanted with traditional institutions, they haven’t lost hope in improving the society through activism and civic commitment.
Divided Opinions on Germany’s Role in the World
German young people also show a critical attitude of their country’s position on international conflicts. Although two-thirds of those surveyed support NATO and condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, support for German military intervention isn’t unanimous. Moreover, the conflict between Israel and Gaza reveals more profound divisions, influenced by the cultural and religious origin of young people.
Whereas one third of young people think that Germany has a special responsibility towards Israel, another third doesn’t agree. This debate is seen clearly influenced by migratory antecedents: young people of Arab or Turkish origin are the ones that least support the idea of Germany’s special obligation towards Israel.
A Future Marked by Diversity
Shell’s Youth Study reflects how German young people live in an era of uncertainty and change, in which traditional faith loses relevance; however, other forms of commitment, such as politics and activism, gain prominence. In this context, young Muslims are noticeable not only for their rootedness in their faith, but also for their desire to form families, in contrasted with young people without religious affiliation, who show less interest in having children.
The challenge for future generations will be to balance the pragmatism that growing economic and social concerns exact, with the capacity to find new meaning and values that guide their decisions. Although in decline for many, religion continues to be a refuge for some groups, which reflects the growing diversity of a youth seeking its place in a changing world.
