May 28, 2005

Local young people offer up perspectives on religion

VIRGINIA
The Free-Lance Star

By JESSICA ALLEN

There are several reasons why Jonathan Watson doesn't go to church.

He cites the Catholic sex-abuse scandal. Plus, he says people can be spiritual without joining a particular religious organization. Then, there's his desire for tangible evidence that there's one correct path.

"Basically, I'm more of a practical person who needs proof," Watson said. "They say it's more of a leap of faith, and I couldn't make that leap."

The 26-year-old Fredericksburg resident and engineer is among a sizable number of young adults professing an interest in spirituality, but not necessarily in organized religion, according to a couple of recent surveys.

The studies by UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute and Reboot, a Jewish networking group, focused on college-age young people and how they see life's mysteries with and without participating in a religious institution.

Posted by kshaw at May 28, 2005 08:29 AM