Gen Z is Onto Something...AND It's Being Misled

I'm a Gen Z-er. 

I'm simultaneously intrigued by, compassionate toward, and concerned about my generation. None of these feelings contradict the others.

Despite our issues, I believe that my generation is onto something interesting. 

As I scroll through most of my social media platforms, these themes rise to the surface:

- A focus on mental and emotional health.

- An interest in unpacking one's upbringing, trauma, and the genesis of one's problems and difficulties. 

- A search for belonging and identity.

- Applauding authenticity.

Considering that these issues have been largely ignored and disregarded in the past, I'm impressed by my generation's bold and curious pursuit of them. 

Some are tempted to look down on Gen Z and Millennials' emphasis on these types of issues, thinking of it as a "softness" that is unhealthy. While just a few years ago, I found this "softness" annoying, I believe that the "roots" of these things are important grounds for discussion and reflection, even if the "fruits" of them sometimes end up in the wrong direction. For example, it is important to address the pain of lacking a sense of community and identity rather than letting these wounds lead us into the wrong places to find that sense of belonging.

With virtually any topic or issue, there is a middle ground between agreement and rejection of ideas, and the road is marked by pauses and curiosity. 

There is always a reason that someone says, does, or believes something. 

Regardless of whether or not we stand for something, let's practice saying "Tell me more" before saying "I disagree." There is something to be learned. 

As Christians (and as people), we may disagree with some of the things Gen Z stands for (as with every generation), but we cannot afford to go to the other extreme by disregarding the thoughts, emotions, difficulties, and longings that lead a person toward these beliefs and actions. 

Even if they're wrong, people's actions and beliefs are often driven by their emotions, wounds, and longings...and we don't heal them by disregarding them. Shame is not the antidote; rather, listening and empathizing is. 

We can do a lot of good by seeking to understand the reasons behind someone's actions & beliefs, rather than disregarding them entirely. 

When the problem is misinformation, we inform.
When the problem is emotional, we comfort.
Neither of these solutions requires shame, dismissal, or mockery.

When I (imperfectly) engage with someone with whom I disagree, this is the motto I tell myself:  

If I can't agree, then I can empathize. If I struggle to empathize, then I can at least be curious. 

Admittedly, my interest in psychology helps in these kinds of discussions. No matter how much I may disagree with someone, I (albeit inconsistently) try to make it a point to pause and wonder what led them there. There is always a reason, even if the reasoning is wrong. And my goal is to understand the reason, feeling, or longing beneath it all. 

Before I say, "I disagree," I want to preface it with "I understand." These two attitudes do not contradict one another. They complement each other, perhaps in the same way that Jesus' words "I do not accuse you either" complement his command to "go and sin no more" when speaking with the woman in John 8:10-11.

Let's empathize in a way that inspires change and conversion, rather than shames it upon people. 

Let's not create unnecessary barriers of judgment or fear between people and the God who loves them into change.

While we may not always agree with this generation's opinions, we can't afford to disregard the wounds and longings that have led them there.