Blue Origin sent Jeff Bezos’ girlfriend into the atmosphere, a theory called “Let Them” is being widely practiced (and parodied), and more and more young people are happy to declare their allegiance to Christ—but not Christianity. But first:
Song of the week – Abracadabra by Lady Gaga
The pop star electrified the desert at the Coachella Festival last weekend, and her recent single “Abracadabra” was part of her setlist. But the song, and the performance, have sparked some backlash for their dark undertones and accompanying imagery. The lyrics of “Abracadabra” refer to magic, death, angels, and the devil. Flashing red strobe lights, dancers moving erratically, and Lady Gaga’s jarring appearance as a sorceress in red who can summon “death or love” all call to mind a demonic underworld. Gaga herself told I UK that the demons the song references are internal: “The song is about facing the challenge of life and the challenge of the night and finding the magic in it all.” Then again, in the same interview, she says the song “has a spell in it.”
And now for our three conversations…
1. Origin Theory
What it is: Six women, including Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez, went to space for eleven minutes on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket.
Why teens are criticizing it: Young people were quick to point out that the mission served no utility beyond a stated goal to be “inspiring,” and that for all of the effort, expense, and environmental impact of the flight, it would have taken longer to watch the music video for “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version).” Gayle King’s worried expression as she entered the rocket also went viral. On the outer rim of commentary about the mission were some who seemed convinced the entire thing was a hoax and that the flight never happened at all.
Continue the conversation: Does this mission feel inspiring, or was it not a good idea?
2. Let Them
What it is: #LetThem has 208,000 posts on TikTok. The theory, which comes from a book of the same name by author Mel Robbins, is being embraced by some, and mocked by others.
Why it resonates with young women: Robbins’ poised, unruffled delivery style on her popular podcast is striking a nerve with a generation desperate for grown-up mentors. The basic premise of Let Them is that the things you cannot control are not worth worrying about—and that includes the thoughts, opinions, and even actions of other people. The concept came to Robbins when she was trying to micromanage her son’s junior prom, to which her daughter advised, “Mom, if Oakley and his friends want to go to a taco bar for pre-prom, LET THEM.” For young people in the thick of adolescent insecurities, “letting them” can be a revelation. The idea has also been the source of memes, since there are obviously things you should not “let them” do.
Continue the conversation: Have you heard about the “let them” theory? What do you think about it?
3. Christ is Risen
What it is: Barna released their 2025 “State of the Church” survey this month, and more and more young people are choosing to believe in Jesus.
What we can learn: According to Barna’s survey data, the percentage of U.S. adults who say “I have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus that is still important to my life today” hit a 21st-century low in 2021 at 54%. Since then, the percentage has jumped a full 12 points to 66%. It may be a sign of spiritual renewal spurred on by millennial and Gen Z adults, as more and more young people are curious about or are committing to a relationship with Jesus. It’s a stat worth celebrating, especially when, for the better part of the century, the narrative around young people has focused on them walking away from their faith. Still, for parents and caring adults, it’s worth going deeper into this data.
Let’s translate this one further…
In his book Simply Christian, theologian and historian N.T. Wright describes a hypothetical scenario where spirituality is suppressed, controlled, and relegated. He compares it to natural springs, streams, and rivers that have been paved over and forced underground, away from the public. Yet, parched humans still search for the water, and eventually, over time, the springs and streams burst out of the ground.
In our secular, pluralist age, it feels like what some called a relic of humanity’s past, spirituality, is bursting forth from the places it’s been suppressed and paved over. Whether it’s young people praying to the universe or ritualizing therapy, young people are thirsting for something spiritual.
Wright’s ultimate argument is that Jesus, and not just a general form of spirituality, is what people need. Yet, according to Barna’s survey, many people who are interested in following, or already do say they follow Jesus, are getting hung up on what they think might come with engaging with the church. The survey found that a significant percentage (27%) of individuals who don’t identify as Christians still say they’ve made a commitment to Jesus. This shows us that, as people are searching, they’re finding Jesus and the truth of the Gospel—which is beautiful. But they’ll still need mature Christians who love Jesus to come alongside them and teach them what following Jesus looks like in a modern age–to disciple them. They’ll need the church.
As Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus this weekend, there will be many young people walking through the doors of the church for the first time. They’re curious about what Easter is all about, and what it could mean to them—and we pray they will find those answers, because they hold the key to life.
The story of Easter means hope, identity, and peace in a world that desperately is searching for those things. It means self-sacrifice, self-denial, and discipleship. Young people are thirsting for the same thing as the woman at the well. As Jesus says, “…but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” And for those who have already decided to follow Jesus, Easter is a reminder of some of his final words in the Gospel of Matthew, to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
From all of us at Axis, happy Easter! We hope you have an amazing weekend celebrating the resurrection. For more context and nuance, check out our Roundtable podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. In the meantime, here are three questions to spark conversation with your teens:
- What’s your favorite part of Easter?
- What would you say the average teen thinks of Jesus?
- Is there anyone you know who might want to attend an Easter service?
PS: Know someone who could use our conversation starters with their teens? Share the CT with a friend!