A profile of the Brazilian young adults on religious beliefs and moral values

This article examines the relationship between religious beliefs and moral values among Brazilian young adults, drawing on data from the 2023 Footprints Project. It highlights an evolving religious landscape marked by a decline in Catholicism, a rise in Evangelicalism, and a significant increase in non-religious individuals, many of whom maintain strong spiritual engagement. The study underscores the centrality of moral conscience in ethical decision-making, even as institutional religiosity declines. While there is consensus between religious and non-religious groups on societal issues like corruption and environmental challenges, personal matters such as sexuality reveal divergent perspectives, with non-believers often adopting more liberal attitudes. The research also explores non-belief drivers, including skepticism about religion’s impact, personal experiences, and the diminished role of the ‘problem of suffering’. The presence of ‘faith-seekers’ among non-religious individuals reflects a fluid boundary between belief and skepticism, underscoring the dynamic interplay between tradition, spirituality, and autonomy in shaping the values of Brazilian youth.