Interest in religion is in decline. In particular, those in the Gen-Z and Millennial generations are abandoning the faith of their parents. Still, few of them are becoming atheists but remain spiritually curious, even if they are skeptical about religion.

If they were to appoint an unofficial spokesperson for their modern brand of spirituality, it might just be Emma Chamberlain.

Emma is a 21-year-old American internet influencer. She pioneered a raw and unfiltered style of “vlogging" that altered the culture of YouTube in a significant way. Time magazine included her on its Time 100 Next list and its list of The 25 Most Influential People on the Internet.

In February 2021, she released a podcast episode entitled, “My Spiritual Journey.” Last month, she followed it up by releasing an episode called "Do We Need Religion?". Both episodes perfectly capture the mindset of her generation.

I would highly recommend listening to them, but here's a basic summary of her views:

Religion is old, somewhat helpful, but problematic. While it can provide a source of community and a moral structure to live by, it can also be exclusive and encourage narrow-mindedness.

Religious people often fail to live up to their standards and espouse outdated and harmful beliefs, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality.

The preferred alternative is spirituality. It's a worldview that's paradoxically defined by a lack of definition. One can believe in a god, multiple gods, a higher power, the universe, or even crystals.

It's less a pursuit of truth and more a self-guided, free-for-all driven by an "if it works for you, do it" mentality. The only real rule is to accept everyone, the justification for which is apparently self-evident.

This malleable spirituality allows its adherents to connect to a deeper meaning their souls long for, without conflicting with mainstream cultural values. This stands in contrast to the ossified religions of old that they reject.

So, in short: spirituality > religion. There are obvious problems with this perspective.

For one, it reduces truth to nothing more than preference driven by utilitarianism. But reality has a way of intervening with our illusions, and this is a game we can only play for so long.

Moreover, this view quite naively ignores the exclusive claims and contradictions within every major religion. All ideas can coexist on a sticker, but less so in real life.

So how do we speak truth into the confusion? If I had the opportunity to talk with Emma about Jesus, this is the path I would take:

1. Acknowledge the shortcomings of religion.

I would start by agreeing that a lot of harm has been done in the name of God.

The fact is that religion has hurt many people. I have no problem admitting this, whether I have been directly responsible or not. Plus, humility never hurts. 

2. Contrast religion and Jesus.

Next, I would share how Jesus is NOT a religion. He isn't an institution. He's not a moral system, and He never hurt anyone.

Religion tells us to earn God's favor. Jesus says there's nothing we can do to earn His love. His grace is a free gift offered to anyone who admits their need for Him.

Almost everyone finds the contrast between Jesus and religion fascinating.

3. Talk about the exclusive claims of Christ. 

I would explain how Jesus loved everyone, but He didn't accept everything. He claimed to be the Son of God and the only way to Father - the one true God. We can call Him a liar, but we can't claim He's just another option.

Like it or not, the claims of Jesus are exclusive.

4. Challenge the modern notion of relativism & acceptance.

I would challenge the idea that acceptance and tolerance are unquestionable values of our age. It may sound appealing, but it's logically flawed. 

Even the very affirmation that we should "accept everyone," excludes the person that chooses not to. This view is self-defeating, and any honest person can see that. 

5. Demonstrate how the Gospel isn't exclusive at all.

Jesus' offer is the most radically inclusive of any religion in all of human history. It doesn't matter your race, age, gender, socio-economic background, societal status, or level of education - all are welcome.

An exclusive celebration or party is not one with a singular address but selective criteria for entrance. Jesus is the only destination for salvation, but anyone willing to surrender to Him is welcome.

6. Invite Jesus to show up. 

Finally, I would encourage Emma to honestly ask God if He is real and whether she could know Him. 

Ultimately, everyone needs their spiritual eyes opened to the reality that God is a person, not a life force. He is someone who they can know, who knows them, and can set free from the slavery of self-deification that leaves us confused and ultimately alone.

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I hope this pathway helps you as you engage those in your life who are spiritually curious, but religiously skeptical. There are good answers to difficult questions, and people are more open than you might think. And in the end, the results don’t depend on you - that’s good news! 

As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:4, 

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God."

This is ultimately a spiritual problem that requires God’s intervention. Our job is to be faithful. So step out and be bold, and trust Him with the rest.

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Want to watch the full conversation? Check out How Do I Share Jesus with a Spiritually Curious Generation?