ONE third of teenagers around the world believe in the resurrection of Jesus, a large study of teenagers’ attitudes to faith shows.

The Barna Group study of 25,000 young people aged 13 to 17, in 26 countries, found high levels of interest and engagement with Jesus, although respondents held less positive views about Christians.

Nearly half of all respondents, 47 per cent, believe that Jesus was crucified, and 32 per cent believe that he rose again from the dead. Two-fifths recognised the Bible as holy and inspired by God, but one fifth admitted to not understanding it.

And, while teenagers were more likely to describe Jesus as “loving”, “wise”, and “peaceful”, they did not hold such favourable views of Christians, being more likely to describe them as “hypocritical” and “judgemental”.

The findings are part of Open Generation, a global study of the values and views of teenagers in countries around the world, by the Barna Group, a research group based in California. It was carried out in association with a range of Christian organisations, including World Vision and Alpha.

The survey was sent to a representative sample of teenagers, regardless of their faith.

Nearly 60 per cent of young people said that there was a Bible in their homes, but most didn’t read it. Two-fifths said that they never read the Bible.

David Kinnaman, of the Barna Group, said that the research showed that teenagers had generally positive views on the Bible, but their engagement with it was low.

“Globally, our research shows that teens are motivated to make an impact with their lives, are looking for community and fulfilling relationships, and seeking purpose and direction for their lives. This research presents areas of opportunity for church leaders to help teens connect their question to the Bible and the answers it provides,” he said.

The Talking Jesus survey of adults in the UK earlier this year found that 45 per cent of the 4000 adult respondents said that they believed in Jesus’s resurrection (News 20 May).