Surprising Revival: Gen Z Men & Highly Educated Lead Return to Religion

Data shows Christianity has stopped its nosedive as more people see the efficacy and rewards of religious faith and practice.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The decline of religion remains a fundamental reality in most Western countries, but new data suggests a complex spiritual restructuring is underway. In the U.S., Christianity has stopped its nosedive as more people, especially Gen Z men and the highly educated, embrace religious faith and practice. This trend is also seen globally, with growth in traditional faiths like Catholicism, Pentecostalism, and Orthodox Judaism. The implications are significant, as religious communities function as engines of human capital accumulation, risk mitigation, and social capital.

Why it matters

This budding religious revival reflects growing divides in American politics and culture, with men leading the return to church and potentially further separating from women. It also challenges the notion that higher education inevitably leads to lower religiosity, as the highly educated are now more likely to be religiously engaged. The revival has implications for social mobility, community, and the role of faith in modern society.

The details

Data shows that in the U.S., Christianity has stopped its decline, with more people embracing religious faith and practice. This trend is especially pronounced among Gen Z men and the highly educated, reversing past assumptions. Globally, traditional faiths like Catholicism, Pentecostalism, and Orthodox Judaism are experiencing growth, often among younger adherents. Religious communities are providing mechanisms for human capital accumulation, risk mitigation, and social capital that propel adherents up the socioeconomic ladder.

  • In 2025, men reported higher church attendance than women, reversing a 25-year trend.
  • In 2022, Orthodox churches saw a 78% increase in converts compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
  • Between 2019-20 and 2020-21, K-12 enrollment at the Association of Christian Schools International increased 12%.

The players

Pew Research

A nonpartisan American think tank that provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends shaping the United States and the world.

Richard Dawkins

A British evolutionary biologist and author who was a prominent figure in the New Atheism movement of the early 2000s, advocating for the view of religion as a dangerous delusion.

Christopher Hitchens

A British-American author and journalist who was also a prominent figure in the New Atheism movement, known for his criticism of religion.

Elaine Howard Ecklund

A sociologist who has conducted longitudinal research on the religious beliefs and practices of scientists in various regions, including the U.S., U.K., Turkey, India, and Taiwan.

Matt Mattingly

A religious intellectual and convert to Greek Orthodoxy, who has spoken with many young men who have joined the Orthodox Church in the past decade.

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What they’re saying

“People who may be doing well also want something more. Our people work at Google and Apple, but there's a real search for the truth beyond tech.”

— Father Brian Dinkel, Pastor at Our Lady of Peace Church and Shrine in Santa Clara

“I have talked with, I would estimate, 100+ young men headed into Orthodoxy in the past decade or so. It is true that most are strong supporters of this ancient faith's teachings on marriage, family, sexuality, and gender. Many of these single men are highly motivated to get married and start families. Yes, they are worried about trends in American life and many mainline pews.”

— Matt Mattingly, Religious intellectual and convert to Greek Orthodoxy

What’s next

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The takeaway

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