Young Catholics in Malta : similar origins, multiple destinations

Abstract

On the basis of the behaviour of their present generation of young adults, the Maltese, as elsewhere in the Catholic world, make contradictory forecasts about the future for religion. Pessimists forecast the erosion of Christian values whereas optimists foresee the beginning of an unprecedented new age of spirituality. Church leaders never cease to appeal for the protection of the Christian heritage. They warn the faithful to resist the influence of foreign cultures and avoid the risk of drifting away. However, local theologians find this conservative approach to an ageing, temple-like culture out of step with living Catholic lifestyles and talk of a felt need for spiritual discernment and revolutionary and liberating action. At the same time, the Church's own research institute observes 'a surge in quality' at the end of the millennium.