Episode Details

In this episode of Thinking Christian, I sit down with Dr. Tanita Maddox—National Director of Generational Impact for Young Life and author of What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God. Drawing from years of research and on-the-ground ministry, Tanita helps untangle the unique worldview of Gen Z and why many of our “classic” Christian explanations fall flat with today’s young people.

We explore how Gen Z understands concepts like truth, goodness, safety, and identity, and why shared vocabulary often hides radically different assumptions. Tanita explains how Gen Z’s hyper-personalized world shapes their beliefs, why many of their deepest questions begin with, “Is God good?”, and how shifting cultural definitions of safety and justice impact their view of the gospel.

Together, we talk through:

• Why Gen Z sees truth as potentially harmful rather than stabilizing

• How to share the gospel with a generation that starts their theology with experience

• Why Gen Z is deeply communal—often more than previous generations

• How to reframe sin, freedom, and human dignity in ways that make sense to them

• Why listening—real, patient, non-defensive listening—is the most powerful apologetic tool we have

• Practical steps for parents, pastors, and mentors who want to meaningfully engage the next generation

If you have Gen Z kids, work with youth, teach in a church, or simply want to understand the cultural moment shaping the next generation, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a hopeful path forward.

Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.

Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
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