Religion and Youth in Croatia

This paper analysis data about religious changes amongst youth at three historical time points that cover the communist and post-communist periods (1986, 1999 and 2004) in Croatia. According to indicators of religious affiliation, religious self-identification, religious beliefs and religious practice, a significant increase in religiosity was observed in the post-communist period amongst youth. However, there is a discrepancy between the high level of declared religiosity and the level of acceptance of Catholic moral norms, particularly norms concerning marriage and sexuality. Although convinced believers accept these attitudes, the majority of respondents deviated from Church moral norms. On the other hand, young people (both religious and non-religious ones) express more conservative attitudes towards homosexuality, thus reflecting general conservative position towards this sexual orientation in society. Comparative analysis of three age cohorts indicates that the youngest respondents are the most religious and least liberal in their attitudes towards marriage, reproduction and sexuality. Findings are discussed in the context of the changed position of religion, and the Catholic Church in particular, in the post-communist period, a return to traditional values, the national/religious revival and institutional support for a religious orientation through confessional religious education in public primary and secondary schools.