The Appeal of Catholicism Among Young Men and Lessons for Churches of Christ: Confronting the Vacuum Left by the Progressive Movement
by Gregory Alan Tidwell
In recent years, an unexpected trend has surfaced: young men under thirty (Gen-Z) are increasingly turning to Catholicism. At first glance, this shift appears counterintuitive. With its traditions, hierarchical structure, and strict doctrines, Catholicism seems an unlikely refuge for a generation celebrated for its openness, diversity, and rejection of dogma. Yet, precisely the qualities that were once presumed to repel younger generations are now drawing them in.
This trend is particularly relevant for the Churches of Christ, where progressive influences have diluted the clear biblical teaching that once distinguished us. Many of our congregations have tried to accommodate the shifting tides of culture, embracing a watered-down message in the hope of appearing relevant. But the very vacuity of the progressive movement within our fellowship may be driving away those who crave depth, conviction, and absolute truth. This movement, which has abandoned the core distinctives of New Testament Christianity, is failing to satisfy the spiritual hunger of Gen-Z men.
If we are willing to listen to the lessons emerging from the Catholic resurgence, we can refocus our efforts to address the deep spiritual needs that the progressive movement within our own tradition has neglected.
The Appeal of Authenticity and Depth in a Culture of Superficiality
Gen-Z has grown up in a world dominated by social media, where superficiality reigns supreme, and content is curated for likes and shares rather than for truth or depth. Many young men are rejecting this culture in favor of something real—something that offers them substance rather than empty platitudes. With its solemn liturgies and reverence, Catholicism appeals to those tired of churches that pander to cultural trends.
Yet, within the Churches of Christ, the progressive movement has often embraced the very cultural shallowness that Gen-Z seeks to escape. By focusing on social justice at the expense of doctrine, reducing sermons to feel-good messages, and prioritizing inclusivity over biblical fidelity, progressives have stripped the church of its spiritual power. The result is a kind of spiritual fast food: easy to digest but leaving believers malnourished.
Scripture warns against this kind of dilution: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (II Timothy 4:3). The progressive agenda prioritizes being culturally palatable, but in doing so, it sacrifices the depth that Gen-Z craves. It is no wonder that young men are turning to Catholicism, which offers the weight of tradition and the depth of theological conviction.
Tradition and Ritual as Anchors in a Sea of Change
The Catholic Church's liturgical practices offer a sense of timelessness and stability that young men find deeply appealing. For those who have grown up in a world of constant change, the unchanging nature of Catholic rituals feels like a refuge. The recitation of creeds, the ritual of the Eucharist, and the rhythmic cycle of liturgical seasons connect them to a faith that has stood the test of time.
Contrast this with the Churches of Christ where, under progressive influence, we have seen a steady erosion of our own heritage. In the pursuit of relevance, many congregations have abandoned distinctive practices like a cappella singing and the simplicity of New Testament worship. By attempting to make worship “contemporary,” progressives have lost the essence of what made the Churches of Christ unique.
Yet, the Bible commends holding fast to traditions that align with God’s Word: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter” (II Thessalonians 2:15). The Catholic Church’s commitment to tradition is not mere ritualism; it is a way of grounding believers in the historical faith. This is precisely what progressive Christianity within our own fellowship lacks—a firm foundation rooted in Scripture.
The Call to Masculine Virtue and Sacrifice: What Progressives Have Forgotten
One of the most striking aspects of Catholicism’s appeal to Gen-Z men is its emphasis on discipline, virtue, and sacrifice. Catholic teaching challenges men to pursue holiness, self-control, and spiritual rigor in a culture that celebrates comfort and self-indulgence. Practices like confession and sacrificial service resonate with those seeking a challenge that calls them out of the malaise of modern life.
In contrast, the progressive movement within the Churches of Christ often prioritizes comfort over conviction. Sermons are softened to avoid offending sensibilities, and there is an overwhelming emphasis on acceptance without the corresponding call to repentance. But the New Testament is clear: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). The Christian life is not about comfort but about transformation through the power of the cross.
Gen-Z men are not looking for a faith that mirrors the culture. They want a faith that challenges them, calls them to higher standards, and demands something of them. The progressive movement, with its focus on inclusivity and avoidance of hard truths, offers little in the way of spiritual growth or character formation.
The Search for Absolute Truth in an Age of Relativism
Gen-Z has grown up amidst the moral and philosophical chaos of postmodern relativism. For years, they have been told that truth is subjective, that morality is fluid, and that each person must define their own reality. But deep down, many are rejecting this narrative. They crave certainty, clarity, and absolutes—things that the Catholic Church, with its clear doctrines and moral teachings, readily offers.
However, in their pursuit of relevance, progressives within the Churches of Christ have too often blurred the lines of doctrine, downplayed the authority of Scripture, and embraced a theology that is more about self-affirmation than self-denial. The result is a church that speaks in vague generalities rather than the clear, convicting truths of the gospel.
Jesus Himself said, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Truth is not subjective. It is grounded in God’s Word. The Churches of Christ were once known for our dedication to biblical literacy and doctrinal clarity. Yet, the influence of progressivism has weakened our commitment to the authority of Scripture, leading to theological confusion and spiritual drift.
The Way Forward for Churches of Christ: Returning to Biblical Foundations
The rise of Catholicism among Gen-Z men is not merely a trend; it is a clarion call to the Churches of Christ to return to our roots. The progressive movement has left a vacuum, offering spiritual pablum in place of the rich, nourishing truths of the Bible. It is time for us to reclaim our heritage, to preach the unadulterated gospel, and to call young men to lives of courage, conviction, and holiness.
Restore Depth and Substance in Worship
We must return to the simple, heartfelt worship practices that connect believers to God. “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). This means emphasizing biblical teaching over entertainment and focusing on meaningful worship rather than shallow experiences.
Embrace Our Biblical Heritage
The Churches of Christ have always adhered to a model of worship grounded in the New Testament. Let us not abandon eternal truths in favor of fleeting cultural trends. We need to reclaim our distinctive practices, which set us apart and draw people to the simplicity and purity of biblical Christianity.
Challenge Believers to Holiness and Sacrifice
Instead of lowering the bar to make Christianity more “accessible,” let us raise the standard to what Christ Himself calls us to: a life of discipleship, self-denial, and sacrificial love. “Be holy, for I am holy” (I Peter 1:16). We need to instill in our young men a vision of biblical manhood rooted in Scripture.
Proclaim the Truth Unapologetically
In a world hungry for absolutes, we must be the voice that says, “Thus says the Lord.” The Churches of Christ need to return to boldly proclaiming the truth of Scripture without compromise. “The word of the Lord remains forever” (I Peter 1:25).
A Call to Return to Our Foundations
The trend of Gen-Z men turning to Catholicism reveals a profound spiritual hunger that the progressive movement has failed to address. If we return to our biblical roots, the Churches of Christ can meet this need. Let us reject the vacuous pablum of progressive Christianity and instead offer the nourishing, life-giving truth of God’s Word.
Now is the time to be the church that God has called us to be: rooted in Scripture, committed to holiness, and unafraid to speak the truth in love. In doing so, we can draw a new generation to the life-transforming power of the gospel.
