Across the American religious landscape, people are turning away from their religions of birth.
For Islam, a new documentary points a finger at mosques, saying they are the reason why Muslim youth don’t want to stick around. But these days, there are other options. NPR’s Code Switch aired a story about the documentary and a new phenomenon called “third spaces,“ which are alternative gathering places favored by some youth.
The backlash against mosques may come in part from the symbolism these buildings can hold. Sometimes, they represent institutions that refuse to bend and don’t meet the needs of congregants. NPR gives examples of sermons held in broken English, dingy bathrooms, and the isolation of women and newcomers.
The documentary’s name “Unmosqued’ borrows from “Unchurched,” a term coined to explain how Christians have drifted away from the church. But this trend goes beyond Christianity as well. According to the Pew Research Center, across the United States, attendance at churches, mosques, synagogues and temples is down.
However, the rise of third spaces may also indicate another cultural trend: that of religious innovation. So here’s the big question: will these new, creative spaces be enough to convince young people that they should stay connected to Islam? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Contributed By Judy Silber
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