The New York Times opinion section is at it again. This time, it explores the resurgence of conservative Christianity among Gen Z Americans and its implications for ongoing political polarization in the U.S.
Guest essay author Daniel K. Williams argued that, despite rising secularism among about one-third of Gen Z, there is a revival in conservative Christianity, which he sees as a response to post-Covid despair, a search for purpose, and charismatic influences. Williams worries that the intertwining of faith with right-wing politics emphasizes tribalism and spiritual conflict. He even goes as far as claiming that becoming a Christian and conservative could lead some to question democracy if their values don’t prevail through voting.
“In the aftermath of Covid — amid longing for purpose, community & transcendence — a sizable minority of [Gen Z] have found their answer in conservative Christianity, fueling both a religious & a political revival among these young Americans.” @DanielKWilliam4 pic.twitter.com/zw3970qmCo
— Brad Wilcox (@BradWilcoxIFS) October 13, 2025
Williams is particularly concerned about recent data showing that, for the first time, young men are outpacing women in church attendance, marking a historic shift. Data shows that in 2025, 46% of Gen Z men and 55% of millennial men have attended church recently, driving upward trends, according to research from the Barna Group. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
In stark contrast, 44% of Gen Z women and 38% of Millennial women reported attending church in the past week.
The piece warns that Gen Z conservative Christians may face a choice on whether to accept persecution as a minority in a democratic society or pursue “victory” through nondemocratic means to promote family values. Williams’ piece represents a familiar pattern where left-leaning outlets or commentators falsely attempt to frame the resurgence of traditional values, like conservative Christianity among Gen Z men, as a harbinger of societal division or even authoritarianism.
Men are returning to Christ.
Gen Z men had a 15% increase in following Jesus since 2019, while Millennial men have seen a 19% increase.
Glory be to God! pic.twitter.com/jFlZWtEl8e
— Anna Lulis (@annamlulis) October 6, 2025
To Williams’ credit, he does acknowledge the appeal of Christianity in providing purpose and community. The rest of his argument, however, ultimately casts this trend as a threat to “liberal democracy.” He throws out wild speculation that the rise in conservative Christianity could lead to Gen Z rejecting democratic norms. And while Williams claims it’s conservative Christians who will drive the ongoing political polarization in the U.S., his choice to lean in on left-wing anxieties about the nation’s religious revival wholly relies on unsubstantiated fears. He became the thing he claims to hate the most.
He spends the piece attacking the increase in religiousness among Gen Z without spending any time attempting equivalent scrutiny for the left-leaning ideologies responsible for driving these people to the right. Williams doesn’t explore how Gen Z’s secular cohort fuels its own tribalism through identity politics or cancel culture. Or how this dark movement might be the driving force behind what makes them feel alone and searching for an answer.
Ultimately, this is yet another example of the left leaning heavily on “theocracy” tropes and framing conservatives as “threats to democracy.” Despite that, for hundreds of years, civic religion has historically unified rather than divided America. (ROOKE: Noem And Bondi Defang The Left By Laughing In Their Face)
Williams would do his audience a better service if he had spent even half of his long-winded thought piece dissecting the responsibility the left holds in the uptick in conservative Christianity among Gen Z. Either way, the fact that the New York Times is publishing warning pieces about young Americans gravitating toward traditionalism is a good sign for our nation. It means that there is hope still to be found in the young.
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