Googling God: The Religious Landscape of People in Their 20s and 30s

by Mike Hayes

The rise of technology coupled with the tragic events of the past 6 years has created a shift in religiosity among the younger generations in the Catholic Church. Many of those above age 30 (Gen X) have been attracted to communal events that connect both disaffected and devout Catholics, who long for union with one another while eschewing the world on the solitary. Those below age 30 (Millennials) have a much different outlook. They long for a more individualistic spirituality, one that works like the search engine Google. They seek immediate gratification alongside a comforting sense of truth in a world gone mad with the rise of terrorism, natural disaster, and random violence. In Googling God, Mike Hayes has given us: - One of the only books addressing the growing divide between Gen X and the Millennial generation. - A book that is neither liberal nor conservative and doesn't play to either side's agenda. - Solid interviews with a wide spectrum of young adults. - An approach that is both practical and theoretical--but never stuffy or academic. In Googling God, Mike Hayes addresses the larger question of how to minister effectively to two radically diversified groupings. His practical guide tells you exactly how to minister to both without alienating one group from the other and also how to continue to attract the attention of those who never darken the door of a church. +

Genres: Spirituality

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

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Reviews

[Maria]

More of a guide for youth-ministers. The first three chapters were excellent explanations of how the two young generations of Catholics differ and why. Beyond that, not really applicable to people who are not ministers themselves.
I still recommend every young catholic to read chapter three:-)

[Joseph]

A wonderful resource guide for ministering to young adults in an internet age, from Gen X-ers to Millennials. Though at times it presupposes an eager young Catholic populace lacking simply a responsive Church, it misses an opportunity to address the growing disenchantment by a similar group who seek a resonant spirituality that judges them less.

[Will Waller]

This book is one that I picked up from the library that I just inteded to skim but I was stuck with it on a long bus ride from Boston to DC and decided to read instead. It's not great for a Protestant hoping to start a Young Adult ministry at my church because so much of it is on Catholic Young Adults which seem remarkably different. However, there are some pieces that I wish to look at in this review that were helpful across the denominational board.

Firstly, its discussion of the different kinds of young adults in our congregations and outside of them is helpful. I think most books on Young Adults have these sections because so many of the young adults have left the congregations and seek life outside of it.

Secondly, it describes the differences between the Generation Xers and the Millenial Generation (born after 1980). I didn't know there was much of a difference, but the author believes this is so. We (millenials) struggle with complexity and challenge and prefer the answers delivered cleanly to us. We want application rather than interpretation. To some degree this is true, but using a wide brush can be inappropriate sometimes.

I enjoyed his discussion of ritual. In my small group of friends, there is appreciation of ritual that older adults believe we lack. The Eucharist is important to me because it isn't about individuality which so much of society screams we should appreciate but is connection to centuries of Christians.

My advice: use this book as a resource, not a straight read. The best parts are in the back two chapters. The small sample he uses is pathetic and takes away from the bevy of resourses from other groups like Lilly Foundation.

[Sarah]

The director of bustedhalo.com and a retreat leader for several years, Hayes has some wonderful, clear ideas about ministry with young adults -- many of which work. Unfortunately, the text is centered around Roman Catholicism and assumes a RC worldview, limiting its audience. Readers must have at least a minimal understanding of Roman Catholic theology and culture to glean some of the more interesting points, especially concerning the 12 interviews that form the heart of the first section.

[Carrie]

Some of Hayes' insights have been very helpful in bridging the two generations. As a GenXer myself, I was having a hard time understanding where some of the undergrads were coming from. I do think we need to work harder to make sure the Millennials take ownership of their own adult faith, and he gave some good suggestions.

[Gerry Czerak]

Mike touches a subject important to the future of the church in this country. Insights into what makes the generation tick spiritually, and how parishes and churches can touch them to meet the needs of the X Generation.

[Sister]

Very important reference manual for anyone who wants to work in young adult ministry these days.