Counter-Cultural Faith: Why (Eastern) Orthodoxy Appeals to Gen Z

Liturgy, Symbolism, and the Pull of the Sacred

We are in a time of constant change, fleeting trends, and the ever-present polarization of politics. For Generation Z, a demographic often defined by their skepticism of institutions and hunger for authenticity, the appeal of orthodoxy lies in its unchanging tradition, its commitment to sacred worship, and its freedom from the distortions of political influence. Whether it is expressed through liturgical practice, theological continuity, or a steadfast focus on the divine, orthodoxy presents a timeless alternative to the ever-changing landscape of modern culture and churches.

Photo by Mateusz Butkiewicz on Unsplash

“Orthodox” and “orthodox”

It is important to note that the terms "Orthodox" and "orthodox" carry distinct meanings, influenced by context and capitalization. However, both terms share a common root in the Greek word "orthodoxia," meaning "right belief" or "correct worship." When capitalized, Orthodox specifically refers to certain religious traditions or denominations. In the context of Christianity, it is often used to describe the Eastern Orthodox Church. In contrast, the lowercase "orthodox" is a broader term, generally referring to adherence to traditional or established beliefs, practices, or doctrines. Theologically, it describes faithfulness to foundational Christian beliefs in the tradition of one Denomination, such as those articulated in the Nicene Creed, distinguishing it from heretical or heterodox views. At the beginning of the sentence, one must of course consider the context to determine whether “Orthodox” or “orthodox” is meant. In this article I will conclude by discussing Eastern Orthodoxy and Lutheran orthodoxy in particular.

Tradition

Orthodoxy, at its core, is defined by a commitment to preserving the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). It resists the urge to adapt its core beliefs and practices to the demands of modern culture. Instead, it proclaims timeless truths rooted in Scripture and safeguarded by centuries of faithful witness. This commitment to tradition can offer a sense of stability in a world where institutions may sometimes prioritize cultural relevance over the fundamental christian values and doctrines.

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It is interesting to note that culture is changing at an unprecedented rate. Technological advancements, globalization, and especially the rise of social media have created a dynamic environment where ideas, trends, and political movements emerge and evolve rapidly. Every day brings new innovations, new debates, and new causes to consider. While change can be exciting and offer new opportunities, it can also be very disorienting. In this dynamic environment, established values and institutions that once provided a sense of continuity, such as family, faith, and tradition, may sometimes be challenged or overlooked. This constant flux can be especially challenging for us, seeking meaning or purpose in life. The rapidity of these changes can create a sense of uncertainty, as it can feel as if the ground beneath us is shifting. What was once considered stable and unchanging can, in the blink of an eye, become a subject of reevaluation. The best example really is Christianity in our western society. Ideologies and Traditions that were once dominant and unquestioned are being rapidly replaced by new ones, which lead to feelings of uncertainty about one's place in the world. At least, thats how I feel. We are somehow disconnected from the past and are pretty uncertain about the future. Orthodoxy connects us to a community of believers that spans across time and space, offering a sense of belonging to something much greater than ourselves. Ancient creeds, liturgical prayers, and historic hymns create a tapestry of faith that reminds especially young people that they are not alone, but part of a Church that has endured through persecution, upheaval, and reform. I think it's wonderful to tie in with the treasures of the past, to know that the faith has lasted for centuries. The orthodox traditions, far from being static relics of the past, are living testimonies to the faithfulness of God.

Freedom From Politics

Personally, the independence from political entanglement is another critical factor in its appeal for me. Unlike traditions that align closely with specific political ideologies or movements, orthodoxy focuses on the eternal Kingdom of God rather than the transient kingdoms of this world. Im sick of the churches of my region who include the current Zeitgeist and politics into the sermons and the church’s teaching, while they reject the sound doctrine or do not come to Jesus properly and reasonably at all. Although I’m not completely against political influence in the church.¹ The churches are far too political. At least in Germany and the USA. Instead, we should focus on what Christ has done for us. His life, his death and his resurrection. We need to proclaim the gospel message more in order to focus more on our faith. This unwavering commitment to the eternal allows the orthodox faith to deal with the problems of the present without losing sight of its fundamental task: the salvation of souls and the glorification of God. This approach offers a space in which to encounter faith in its purest form, free from all the complexities and divisions that worldly power struggles entail.

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Central to orthodoxy is its emphasis on the sacred - on a God who is holy, eternal, and unchanging. This sacred focus is expressed through reverent worship, rich symbolism, and the use of the sacraments who communicate divine grace. Orthodoxy proclaims that God's presence is not distant or abstract but made real and accessible through His Word and Sacraments, and finally, the life of the Church. The sacred is a counter-cultural experience. In a world often characterized by superficiality and virtual experiences, orthodoxy offers a tangible and transcendent alternative. Whether through the structured prayers of the liturgy, the timeless melodies of sacred music, or the beauty of sacred art and architecture, it provides a space where the holy intersects with the mundane. This kind of worship has the potential to uplift our spirit, transcending the temporal and connecting us to the eternal. It’s commitment to tradition is not rigid, but rather a steadfast dedication to its principles. It resists the urge to innovate for the sake of novelty, instead trusting in the sufficiency of God's promises and the wisdom of centuries of faithful believers.

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The appeal of orthodoxy to me lies in its ability to offer what the modern world cannot: A faith that is timeless, not really changing (in its foundation), and grounded in the sacred. It stands apart from traditions that compromise with culture or align themselves with political power, instead remaining faithful to the Gospel and the teachings of the historic apostolic Church. For young people seeking stability and authenticity, orthodoxy provides a vision of the Christian faith that is both ancient and relevant, transcending the ephemeral concerns of the day. It offers a place to encounter the living God, not through spectacle or performance like in modern churches, but through reverent worship, sacramental grace, and the unchanging truths of Scripture.

Eastern Orthodoxy and Lutheran Orthodoxy

One phenomenon in recent years, which we can witness especially on social media like TikTok is, that Gen Z is changing their denomination to Eastern Orthodoxy. This is certainly because, as I have just written, but also because other denominations tend to have a different focus. Lutheran orthodoxy, for example, is simply not as well known as Eastern Orthodoxy. Of course, we must not forget that when we talk about Eastern Orthodoxy, we are talking about an entire denomination and tradition, and not just an offshoot of a particular tradition such as Lutheranism. The fact that the whole denomination is like this makes it appear much more unified and not so divided.

I will definitely address other aspects in this direction in the future. These are, for example, how Lutheran orthodoxy is an alternative to Eastern Orthodoxy, and how to live Lutheran orthodoxy in practice.

Thank you for reading, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

1. (We Christians now also have to talk about some political aspects, and we have to do so urgently. This stance does not imply a lack of concern for moral or ethical matters, but it is approached with a foundation in the timeless wisdom of Scripture and a commitment to the moral law of God, rather than being influenced by the evolving priorities of human governments)