Christian Smith and Patricia Snell, Souls in Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults. Oxford University Press, 2009.
Prequel: Smith, Soul Searching
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Referenced in: Generational Issues in Churches
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is an excellent follow-up of the research co-written by one of the authors, Christian Smith, Soul-Searching, which looked at the religious lives of teens ages 13-17. This later study picks up with the same general group as they emerge into adulthood during the ages of 18-23. They are often called “emerging adults” (EAs).
Like the previous volume, it comes highly acclaimed by some of the most recognized names in the sociology of religion:
“Unlike the nonsense delivered in news magazines and opinion polls, Souls in Transition is serious scholarly research about religion among emerging adults. The sober, fair-minded presentation of evidence about what is and what is not happening among Americans age 18 to 23 is refreshing.” —Robert Wuthnow
“Christian Smith’s work in the National Study of Youth and Religion is the gold standard for research on religion and adolescents—and now, emerging adults. So buckle up: Souls in Transition reads like an avalanche as Smith reports the findings of the 18-23 year old cohort, takes on our culture’s current “crisis of knowledge and value,” reveals the uneven terrain of emerging adulthood. Insisting that religious disinterest in 18-23 year olds is neither inevitable nor universal, Smith challenges parents and congregations to support and model religious engagement with emerging adults. If you’re a parent, pastor, campus minister, educator, congregation member—or a ‘twenty something’ yourself— this book needs to be on your shelf.” —Kenda Creasy Dean, Ph.D.
“Souls in Transition makes a mighty contribution to the sociology of religion. It is innovative, full of rich narratives, and presents a wealth of accessible quantitative findings. Anyone interested in gaining a serious understanding of America’s newest adult cohortswhat they believe, how they practice and view their faith, and the major social influences shaping their experienceshould start with this book.”—Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
The researchers acknowledge some of the accepted realities of the sociology of this group in general – longer periods in higher ed, marrying and having children later in life, extended financial support from parents, etc. Beyond this, they build on over 200 in-depth interviews to describe their faith development during this critical life period. Some of these interviews are follow-ups with the participants in the first study.
The research confirms some of the widely accepted lore regarding this generation’s diversity, inclusiveness, consumerism, materialism, etc. They are less religious than older adults and not as religious as they were as teens; but they are certainly as religious as emerging adult groups of previous eras.
Here are a few of the most significant features. First is chapter 2 that describes the larger cultural context of emerging adults (great charts and graphs). Second is the factors that are most significant in determining whether those raised in faith maintain it into adulthood: parents and congregations. Third is the “Six Major Religious Types” (166-179):
- Committed Traditionalists are a small minority of around 15% of the total EA population. They have a strong religious faith that they practice and articulate. They are more focused on inward spirituality and morality than social justice or political action. Their faith is privatized enough that they can maintain their faith without violate the American tolerant “culture of civility.”
- Selective Adherents are a significant minority of around 30% of the EAs. They believe some aspects of their tradition but neglect or ignore others. They do not share the seriousness and consistency of the Committed Traditionalists, but are more steeped in their convictions than the Spiritually Open (see below). They usually were brought up in the church but are not as loyal as the Committed Taditionalists to the “outdated” beliefs and practices of their heritage.
- Spiritually Open are a small minority of about 15%. They are not committed to religious faith but are receptive to and mildly interested. They believe in some kind of higher power but cannot designate who or what it is. They have nominal to no church heritage, although some are former believers but have left their faith, especially if Catholic or mainline Protestant.
- Religiously Indifferent represent about 25% of EAs. They neither practice nor oppose religion, but are simply not invested either way.
- Religiously Disconnected make up 5% of EAs. They have little to no exposure, history, connection, or competency in religious people, ideas, or organizations.
- Irreligious comprise about 10% of EAs. They are skeptical and critical of religion, and reject the idea of personal faith. They acknowledge that faith is good for some people, but not for them, and may even be derogatory and antagonistic. Some have entertained intellectual and existential questions about religion and have already decided against it in favor of some form of secularism.
Like Soul-Searching before it, this is dense research. Flip through and mark the bullet-point summaries and then pick up the detail where you need it.
From the Publisher
How important is religion for young people in America today? What are the major influences on their developing spiritual lives? How do their religious beliefs and practices change as young people enter into adulthood?
Christian Smith’s Souls in Transition explores these questions and many others as it tells the definitive story of the religious and spiritual lives of emerging adults, ages 18 to 24, in the U.S. today. This is the much-anticipated follow-up study to the landmark book, Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers. Based on candid interviews with thousands of young people tracked over a five-year period, Souls in Transition reveals how the religious practices of the teenagers portrayed in Soul Searching have been strengthened, challenged, and often changed as they have moved into adulthood.
The book vividly describes as well the broader cultural world of today’s emerging adults, how that culture shapes their religious outlooks, and what the consequences are for religious faith and practice in America more generally.
Some of Smith’s findings are surprising. Parents turn out to be the single most important influence on the religious outcomes in the lives of young adults. On the other hand, teenage participation in evangelization missions and youth groups does not predict a high level of religiosity just a few years later. Moreover, the common wisdom that religiosity declines sharply during the young adult years is shown to be greatly exaggerated. Painstakingly researched and filled with remarkable findings, Souls in Transition will be essential reading for youth ministers, pastors, parents, teachers and students at church-related schools, and anyone who wishes to know how religious practice is affected by the transition into adulthood in America today.
About the Authors
Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of many books, including Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Do Not Give Away More Money (OUP 2008); Soul Searching: the Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (OUP 2005), Winner of the 2005 “Distinguished Book Award” from Christianity Today; and Moral, Believing Animals: Human Personhood and Culture (OUP 2003).
Patricia Snell is Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame.
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