Published: 2025-02-14

Young Apatheists

Is Religion Becoming a Relic, and How to Counteract It?

Patryk Zając , Michał Wilkosz
Collectanea Theologica
Section: Articles
https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.2025.95.1.06

Abstract

Apatheism, a unique attitude of indifference to religion and the question of God’s existence, is becoming increasingly prominent in the context of contemporary socio-cultural changes, particularly among younger generations. This article comprehensively analyzes apatheism, exploring its origins, distinct characteristics, and evolution in the face of escalating secularization. Drawing on research and theory, including the concepts of Robert J. Nash and Jonathan Rauch, the authors present various perspectives on apatheism, highlighting its unique aspects and contrasting them with other non-theistic attitudes such as atheism, agnosticism, and secularism. The article delves into the social and cultural contexts of apatheism and its potential implications for the future of religion in society, as well as the challenges and needs it raises. The study aims to demonstrate how apatheism aligns with the broader landscape of contemporary social change and its potential influence on future forms of religiosity and spirituality. The concluding remarks offer insight into how to think practically and theologically about apatheism so that pastoral offerings have a chance to meet the challenge.

Keywords:

apatheism, religious indifference, secularism, nontheism, religiosity, contemporary society

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Citation rules

Zając, P., & Wilkosz, M. (2025). Young Apatheists: Is Religion Becoming a Relic, and How to Counteract It?. Collectanea Theologica, 95(1), 161–191. https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.2025.95.1.06

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