Abstract
This study explores religious transformations as observed by 75 young students in their immediate surroundings. Based on a collection of testimonies responding to the question of identifying two examples of religious change in their environment, four main dynamics emerge: secularization, religious pluralism, the rise of alternative spirituality, and the flexibilization of beliefs. Secularization is evident in the decline of traditional religious practices and the weakening of institutional affiliations, particularly among younger generations. At the same time, religious pluralism is reflected in the growing diversity of beliefs and practices within social, educational, and professional spaces, requiring new strategies for coexistence. Additionally, there is an increasing interest in non-institutionalized spirituality, with practices such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness often perceived as alternatives to traditional religion. Finally, the flexibilization of beliefs is seen in hybrid personal trajectories, where individuals combine elements from different religious traditions or adopt a more subjective approach to faith. These transformations highlight the complexity of contemporary religious experience, where the search for meaning remains present but takes on new forms, often detached from historical institutions. This study provides an empirical perspective on these changes, giving voice to young people as direct witnesses to these evolving dynamics.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Religious transformation, Students, Secularization, Religious pluralism
