Fighting the Tide: Youth with a History of Migration Living Religion in a New Context

What is it about?

Migration promises an opportunity for a different future for those moving while it challenges the status quo for transit and host countries. Changing from one culture to another is no small task. Neither is the process of moving from adolescent to adult. Many rely on religious beliefs and practices as they cope. Still, these practices are modified, adapted, changed. What happens in the lived religion of adolescents after migration? In discussion with practical and liberation theologians, sociology, and social and cultural psychology, the voices of adolescent migrants themselves contribute to a deeper understanding of current models of adolescent spiritual development.

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Photo by Nick Matz on Unsplash

Photo by Nick Matz on Unsplash

Why is it important?

In the academy, in pastoral care, and in how we speak about adolescents with a migration background ultimately communicates whether we value adolescent spiritual development. This article seeks to challenge assumptions and spark a reflection over current practices. Rather than viewing adolescents from our own cultural or religious lens, it is important to consider that a new cultural context does influence the development process.