The Faith Canyon: Why Purposeful Grandparents Are Needed More Than Ever

Written by David Wheeler, Legacy Coalition Pastor’s Division

“America is at war with itself.” That’s the conclusion of George Barna as he analyzes the troubling results of a study conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University.^[1] “There is a war for worldview dominance…adopting new values, lifestyles, and a new identity for the nation.”

There are apparently significant belief differences (“radically different”) between Baby Boomers (ages 56-74) and Millennials (ages 18-36) in almost every variable studied. They seem to emerge in three categories: respect for others, interest in faith, and enthusiasm for America. Barna asserts that we are “flirting with cultural decline.”

The Faith Canyon

Decades ago, multi-generational values were very similar. A recent re-run of “Leave it to Beaver” has Wally coming into his parents’ bedroom to borrow one of his dad’s ties for a dance that evening at the country club…the same dance his parents are preparing to attend! Generational division was minimal.

However, in the late 60s, we began to hear of a “generation gap”. Then in the 90s, it became a “faith gap”. Now, it appears to be evolving into a “faith canyon”.

The study may indicate what Barna calls a “robust rejection of the Christian faith.”  The data reveals that this younger generation is less likely to:

• Believe in absolute moral truth
• View the Bible as a reliable/authoritative moral guide
• Be committed to practicing their faith, praying and worshiping weekly, confessing their sins, believing that God created humans in His image, and believing that God loves them unconditionally.

They are more likely to believe that having faith matters more than which faith they have. Basically, this younger generation is disengaging from traditional Christianity.

The Need for Purposeful Grandparents

This report certainly reinforces the call from the Legacy Coalition to “think four” generations as we strive to leave a vital legacy of faith to our descendants. If the younger members of our nation are to be exposed to the joys of authentic faith in Jesus Christ, the burden seems to be increasingly shifting to those of us who are experiencing those joys. We need to be pointing them to Truth—that there is one, and God has revealed it to us.

I’ve been reflecting on Psalm 11:3 lately: “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” I don’t know all the answers to that question. However, our ministry does have some strong suggestions as to what righteous, purposeful Christian grandparents can do! We’re grateful for the resources being developed to help us stand in the gap and influence our grandkids for Christ as they live in this decaying culture.

This study would indicate that our godly presence and involvement in the lives of our families is more vitally needed…and impactful…than ever. Additionally, it certainly deepens the conviction that we need to get on our knees and plead for the souls of our beloved ones.

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good…we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”  (Galatians 6:9)

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[1] You can read the full “American Worldview Inventory 2020” study here.