I Don’t Need This: Why People Are Opting Out of Church
I saw a video where Dr. Kia Conerway was speaking on how certain generations are leaving the church and what would be required in order to get them to return. A couple of standout points she made were about people not feeling like their human experience matches up with the theology that meets them at church. She also mentioned two populations that may not truly feel the love: LGBTQ++ & women in ministry. Recently Tye Tribbet did an interview on the breakfast club and said church was wack and had some church folks in an uproar! People leaving church seems to be a hot topic and I have so much to say from an astrological standpoint! I have a video that goes more deeply into these thoughts and I haven’t decided if I’ll post it or not.
But let’s dig in here. To get started understand that for the most part the windows of the associated with the titles Millennials, Gen Z, and Generation Alpha mostly correlate to Pluto generations.
Pluto in Scorpio generation: 1983-1995
Pluto in Sagittarius: 1995-2009
Pluto in Capricorn: 2008-2024
There’s some overlap because of the times Pluto went retrograde, but let’s talk about Pluto.
Pluto moves very slowly and the sign it is in gives indicators about what themes and dynamics are impacting society as a whole. It’s what’s considered a generational planet. It represents transformation, rebirth, power, control, it can be the dark side of things, it’s true Phoenix energy. If someone has Pluto aspecting a significant point or planet in their natal chart they’re more likely to be impacted by the generational issues or in some ways be a catalyst for change in the lives of people around them.
So let’s look at trends in general.
Millennials (Pluto in Scorpio) are reclaiming power and finding transformation in psychological healing and exploring the taboo: sex, death, mysteries, the occult, and etc. Some of these are topics that are often seen as sinful and bad but they come up often with this group no matter what side of the fence people are on regarding them. As many of millennials embark on healing journeys some are finding the church and bad theology at the root of their issues. Some opt out of church and choose to connect with God their own way. Some attend churches that are more liberal and have an understanding of some of the damage churches have done. There’s also a group of millennials that attend church but still practice or find interest in the occult overtly or covertly. In the process of digging up secrets many of the Pluto and Scorpio generation people are finding out that their grandmothers and elder family members had spiritual practices they kept secret that the church would have likely frowned upon but are ancestral and nature. This generation has also been directly impacted or made aware of the dark side of church—trauma, secrets, and scandals. How this impacts the desire to attend church of course caries from person to person.
Gen Z (Pluto in Sagittarius)
Gen Z individuals tend to be more open to and curious about philosophy and other cultures. Their ability to be open to learning about other cultures and ways of life have has exposed them to more knowledge and the understanding that multiple paths and realities exist. Many of them don’t feel like there is one right way; there is an understanding of how much one’s geographic region or culture plays a role in religious paths. Instead of fearing exposure to other ideas they may be more prone to expand their worldview and challenge others to do the same. Gen Z has dissected their beliefs like a professor or philosopher would and many of them see no need to attend church. They’ve found belief systems that are a better fit for what resonates with them and their quest for truth. This generation was also more likely to be openly exposed to new ideas and ways of life at an earlier age. Gen Z also understands that everything isn’t black and white; they can see things on a spectrum. This shows up in the way many of them approach sexuality and gender identity. Gen Z can teach us how to be less rigid at times and more fluid. You may find history & culture nerds in this group too who understand the effects of colonization on religion and spread this information! You’ll find some of these people sharing insights on TikTok and other apps.
Pluto in Capricorn individuals find empowerment in having something solid to stand on. They also will directly understand the ways that structure and tradition can feel oppressive. This generation is mostly raised by the Pluto in Scorpio group. Because of their parents and those older than them they been exposed to a variety of beliefs and thought. Generation Alpha has an opportunity to choose what seems sustainable and can be a foundation for their lives moving forward. Capricorn as an archetype is symbolic of tradition, elders, and duty. There is a chance some of these individuals follow the leadership of their parents or reach back into their lineage to find what traditions empower and transform them. It’s also possible they may initiate their own path on what feels solid to them.
What Happens Next?
Right now Saturn is in Pisces and while it’s there its likely we will continue to see this topic be prevalent. Saturn is like the stern parent that shows up to see if you cleaned your room and did your chores. This is a time of “cleaning up” and holding spiritual leaders accountable. Nonetheless, we will see some people return to church as they desire spiritual routine and commitment to something bigger than them. More people are desiring spiritual connection—this often comes in thru church. Others may seek this out in other spiritual groups instead—even online. The flip side of this coin is seeing people decide to do the opposite. They may create a boundary that removes them from churches based on their feelings or studies. Saturn signifies boundaries, and boundaries can protect us or isolate us.
Saturn will be in Pisces until February 2026. Prior to then it will enter Aries, but during retrograde will re-enter Pisces.
Overall —as stated in the video many of these generations aren’t in church (or in a traditional way) and if the church doesn’t evolve they won’t be. They’ve seen too much and know too much to settle for the way church is being done. The time of accepting harmful patriarchal standards upheld by the church and religious abuse is over. There are people that want to be in church—but don’t want to be harmed in the process or part of an organization that is harmful in ways to others. While Pluto is in Aquarius we’re going to see our group think evolve. More people are challenging the status quo and finding more ways to bring empowerment to the people instead of organizations and the powers that be.
It’s important to remember that the need to feel empowered coupled with the need to be part of a group or feel rooted in and committed to something can get dangerous if it is coupled with desperation. I think we should be aware that cults may find more empowerment in the times ahead and over zealous leaders will blindly lead the way fueled by their own passions beliefs. I think we’ll see more of this when Neptune is in Aries. It may be easier for people to get caught up in bad situations with this dynamic at play.
With Pluto in Aquarius there’s empowerment that comes from knowledge and communication. Let’s keep in mind however that we are in the age of technology more deeply than we’ve ever been. What we see online can easily be altered and many people have a hard time telling what’s real and what’s fake. The need for logical thinking paired with discernment is greater than ever. If you find yourself down a rabbit hole of information or spiritual or religious groups and organizations seem right for you or are seeking you out—properly vet them. Always remember that if a religious or spiritual group wants you to disown or separate yourself from others or limit your exposure to other information or people it’s likely not going to be a healthy situation.
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I have included links below for the video that is referenced and an article on understanding more about cults.
Click here https://www.facebook.com/reel/291909556868135/ to see Dr. Kia’s commentary.
To understand more about cults and what to look for click here. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cult-5078234
Disclaimer: This is a general overview. There will be people in any generation that don’t completely match up with the description of a general overview. Specifically with this topic there will be people that don’t are in church and continue to love it. When studying astrology there are many layers and nuances to explore in a person’s individual chart.
