How Theology Takes Shape in the Faith of Young People: An Introduction to Youth Theology Based on the Example of an Empirical-Theological Study Among Young People

Abstract

How does theology take shape in the lives of young people? This is an interesting and challenging topic. Over the last few years, this has been discussed on two levels and in different theological disciplines - on one hand within the context of a theology of young people and on the other hand in empirical studies. This paper will combine these levels together and by doing so, lend an insight into the current status of research. Therefore, this investigation focuses on the question of how theology is displayed in the lives of young people as defined by themselves, and is structured as follows: (1) A theoretical framework is set by an introduction into youth theology considered as a subjective setting for young people’s faith. (2) A description of the empirical survey of the study “Spirituality of Young People“ and a commentary on the most important results. (3) Finally, a discussion on the position of the results within a wider context of mission research and the results’ significance for youth theology.