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Curious in Ireland

"I have felt abandoned by my parents and alone. It’s been great to talk with someone who cares and who will listen."

“What is my purpose in this world?” … “Why do we exist?” … “Where do we go when we die?”

Thought-provoking questions, all coming from young people in Ireland. It’s surprising, since the tiny nation, about the size of Indiana, was considered for centuries to be one of the most religious in Europe. In fact, Christianity’s spread across mainland Europe was largely driven by Irish missionaries.

Yet today, despite being the nation in Europe with the lowest average age, Ireland’s youth are struggling. Suicide and depression among young people are the highest in Europe. There’s a deep distrust of the church, or any religion. In a predominantly Catholic nation comes this stark revelation from Barna Research – 71 percent of Irish young people identify as Catholic, yet only 11 percent believe Jesus was a real person.

But Irish youth are curious about God. They’re seeking answers to questions, such as those listed above, at Holy Spirit retreats for 15- and 16-year-olds. These retreats are part of a 12-week Youth Alpha introduction to Christianity video series, involving more than 220 students, which Youth for Christ Ireland helps coordinate in three Irish schools. Yet today, despite being the nation in Europe with the lowest average age, Ireland’s youth are struggling. Suicide and depression among young people are the highest in Europe. There’s a deep distrust of the church, or any religion. In a predominantly Catholic nation comes this stark revelation from Barna Research – 71 percent of Irish young people identify as Catholic, yet only 11 percent believe Jesus was a real person.

“Do suicides go to heaven?” … “Why is it always good people who suffer (while) the selfish and greedy succeed and get away with everything?” … “Is God truthfully real? Is there sacred evidence?”

Jack stayed back a few times with Youth for Christ leaders after the Youth Alpha sessions. He looked as if he had something he wanted to discuss, but didn’t have the courage to do so in front of his friends. Eventually, Jack confided that he had a fear of death and struggled to go to sleep each evening – like there was a weight on his chest. Simon, a Youth for Christ leader, reminded him of the Gospel, that sins are forgiven at the cross and that death lost its power in Christ’s resurrection. He told Jack that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead can be known by each of us, so we can overcome the fear of death. Simon then prayed with Jack to receive Christ in his life. Jack is now showing interest in being baptized!

“Why is there so much suffering in the world?” … “Why is there still sin even though Jesus sacrificed himself for us and our sins?” … “Why does God send people to hell?”

Increasingly, Irish youth are wanting to know how to have a relationship with Jesus. But they also need to know there are Christian leaders who can listen well and come alongside them when they have questions or are hurting. Following a Youth Alpha study, one student wrote, “I have felt abandoned by my parents and alone. It’s been great to talk with someone who cares and who will listen.”