The older generation of Christians in the city is worried by the indifference towards matters of faith noticeable in young members of the community. Their worry is shared by Church officials who have been trying different ways to keep the young members of the flock from straying too far. But both — the older generation and the officials of the Church — seem to be losing the battle against the advancing tide of modernity.
“It is true that youths of the Christian community have little interest in their religion,” said Jerry Noronha, vice-president, St. Ignatius Loyola parish. “They have been
drifting away from the Church too. But we in the parish council are trying out different ways to rekindle their interest in Christianity so that they can turn to it for guidance during crises.”
He said his parish council is toying with the idea of forming ‘youth groups’ through which young members of the community could reconnect with Christianity as a living faith.
“Religion will cease to be dreary,” Noronha said. “They will find it fun rediscovering Christianity with their friends in the groups.”
Bishop Richard Gomes, who has shifted to Delhi now, is sad to see Christian youths ignoring religion and turning to technology to find something that will hold their interest.
“But this is the trend in all communities, and not only among Christians,” he said. “Youths in general are drifting away from religion. The internet and television are their new passion.” He said youths of all communities nowadays celebrate religious festivals without taking any interest in their spiritual aspects.Followers of other Christian denominations see the problem slightly differently.
“Churches should make changes in the liturgy to bring it in line with modern beliefs,” said Dr G Emmanuel, principal, Seventh-Day Adventist School. “The method of worship should evolve with time.”
The city’s Christian youths, however, do not sound very enthusiastic about religion. “Everybody above the age of 16 should be allowed to decide whether religion is any good or not,” said Jason Rathod, a student. However, Fr Fernand Durai, principal, St Xaviers, Loyola, insists that religion is as relevant to today’s world as it was to ancient times.
“The younger generation should pay more attention to spiritual aspects of life,” he said.
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