Meaning and Purpose Among the Nones

[Patrick]

@Mlkluther

So Patrick, I am not convinced that you are correct that the millennial None will be free from these existential questions, nor possibly, the angst that often accompanies them when left unaddressed. Why would they be any different from the the majority of humanity that came before them that found such questions compelling and deeply important? Now, I am not in anyway suggesting that they will come running to the Church for their answers. However, as a parish pastor, I am not unaccustomed to discussing such questions with a millennial None. And, in some ways, I think the millennial None may be more likely than some to consider such metaphysical questions as post-modernism has brought such questions to the fore. How they resolve the existential angst or what resources they use to wrestle with these questions…now that’s an intriguing question.

Patrick, I wonder if you’d disagree much with my assessment of the situation? Some? All? I look forward to your feedback and your perspective!

I strongly agree that millennial Nones are NOT free from these existential questions. In fact, I think it is harder for today’s millennial Nones to find purpose and meaning in THEIR lives. They realize that society at large doesn’t care about them one iota. If they have the cash, they can live a decent life in America, if they don’t society is cold and uncaring. I meet a lot of educated, children of well off parents, millennial Nones under 30 years of age. Some are happy and some are sad. I really am unable to put my finger on the vast differences, but it is not education, money, relationships, politics, nor religion. I have never gotten a satisfactory answer when I asked a millenial what was the purpose or meaning in their lives so far. I usually get “I don’t know” or “haven’t thought about it”.