WAU Branson Fellow Authors Liberty Magazine Article Discussing Generation Z’s view of Faith and Civic Responsibility
Takoma Park, Md.— WAU senior Charis McRoy was teamed as a Branson Fellow intern with Liberty Magazine, and was tasked with the project of exploring the views of Generation Z on questions of Faith and Civic Responsibility. She wrote an article, published this month, that featured a discussion with a group of Washington Adventist University (WAU) students about the intersection of faith and civic duty. As part of Generation Z, millions of whom will be voting for the first time in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the students explored how their Christian beliefs influence their political views and responsibilities.
McRoy, who led the conversation, was joined by fellow WAU students Junior Aguilar, Catusha Desjardins, and Cathrina Schoonard. Together, they examined the role of religion in voting, the challenges posed by misinformation on social media, and how their generation can make informed decisions in a politically charged climate.
Aguilar highlighted the importance of aligning political choices with religious goals, noting, “Religion can be a very important consideration. Not just Christianity but all religions are moving toward something, and the state can either hinder or help that progress.”
Desjardins added that while it’s rare to find a candidate whose beliefs align perfectly with one’s own, it’s still critical to participate in the voting process. “Religion, throughout history, has caused very good things to happen, but also very bad things. This should be an important aspect when determining who you’ll vote for,” she said.
The conversation also touched on the increasingly secular nature of Generation Z, with Schoonard addressing concerns about religious views influencing politics. “We all have a moral compass, whether it’s based on religious views or not,” she said, urging her peers not to see religious voters as a threat but as contributors to a diverse political dialogue.
The group discussed the challenges of navigating political information in the age of social media. McRoy emphasized the need for young voters to fact-check and seek reliable sources, while Aguilar encouraged a healthy skepticism when consuming news, particularly from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The students also explored the Christian duty to vote, referencing biblical principles. Aguilar cited Jeremiah 29:7, where God told the Israelites to seek the welfare of the city during their exile in Babylon. “As Christians, we are waiting for the coming of Jesus, but it’s also our duty to seek the welfare of the place we are in now,” he said.
Schoonard and Desjardins echoed the sentiment, encouraging churches to promote voting as part of Christian stewardship while remaining nonpartisan. Desjardins said, “Churches should encourage involvement but be careful not to promote specific candidates. It’s more about promoting civic responsibility.”
McRoy concluded the discussion by advocating for balance between church and state, saying, “When we vote, our Christian values should influence that decision. We can apply the principles of our faith, but not necessarily impose specific religious mandates on others.”
The students’ dialogue reflects the growing awareness of faith’s role in shaping political views among Gen Z voters, showcasing WAU’s commitment to fostering thoughtful discussions on critical societal issues. The full article can be read online at Libertymagazine.org.
