Religiosity, Spirituality and Secularity among American Jewish College Students

• In Event: Whither Jewish College Students?

Abstract

Young adult Americans have been identified as the population most responsible for recent changes in the nation’s religious identification and patterns of religiosity (Kosmin & Keysar, 2009; 2013). Disaffiliation from religion is also increasing among Jews (Pew research Center, 2013). Categories and classifications are being redefined among a generation where personal choice is privileged over ascribed identity.

In order to better understand this trend the National Demographic Survey of Jewish College Students focused on a particular segment of the millennial generation who are currently students in higher education. This data set provides a unique opportunity for an investigation into the phenomenon of the growing number of American Jews who say they are “secular” as well as those who say they are “spiritual but not religious.” Who are the secular and spiritual identifiers? How are they different from religious Jews in their opinions and beliefs? What does this mean for the future of American Judaism? These questions have been much debated recently by religionists and sociologists of religion (Ammerman, 2013; Marler, Long & Haddaway, 2002; Schlehofer, Omoto & Adelman. 2008; Smith, 2009). This large-scale quantitative study of young Jewish adults sheds new light from a Jewish angle on this important debate about present and future trends.

author

• Barry A Kosmin, Trinity College