A Dutch report on how Gen Z is finding God through the algorithm
As church pews across the Netherlands grow emptier, faith is quietly migrating online. A growing number of young Dutch people, especially Gen Z, are rediscovering religion not in traditional churches but through their phones, where Bible verses, worship songs and baptismal videos now circulate with the same ease as beauty tips or memes.
In de Volkskrant, Bo Fasseur explores this surprising digital revival, where social media influencers have become the new missionaries of a visually curated Christianity. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are home to what is known as ChristianTok, a vibrant ecosystem of young believers sharing their daily spiritual routines in aesthetically pleasing short videos. Influencers such as Krista Ros, Glen Fontein and Marc Floor have built large followings by combining personal faith with polished social-media aesthetics, slicked-back hair, soft lighting and minimalist beige interiors. Their message is simple: faith can be modern, stylish and emotionally resonant.
According to data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, 58 percent of the population no longer identifies with any religious group. Yet a recent ‘God in Nederland’ study suggests a generational shift: those under 26 are now more likely to identify as believers than the generation before them. (Translator notes that a similar phenomenon has been reported in Britain).
The shift, sociologists argue, reflects a broader cultural transformation. Stef Aupers, a professor of media culture at the University of Leuven, describes this new religiosity as “post-traditional” since it is fluid, individualistic and shaped by the logic of consumer culture. Faith, for many, has become a form of identity construction, a personal brand as much as a spiritual practice.
Unlike church hierarchies, the faith of Christian influencers is decentralised and deeply personal. It’s also algorithmically amplified. TikTok’s recommendation system allows religious content to spread beyond traditional audiences, reaching users who might never have sought it out. Someone watching videos on mindfulness or lifestyle advice might suddenly find themselves watching a clip of a 24-year-old influencer whispering a Bible verse into the camera. For a generation shaped by isolation and mental health struggles, especially during and after the pandemic, the article suggests that digital spirituality offers solace and community.
Fasseur notes that the pandemic’s aftershocks have left young people anxious, lonely and searching for meaning. Nearly half of Dutch youth reported that the lockdowns had a negative impact on their wellbeing, with more than 60 percent of young adults experiencing prolonged loneliness. In that vacuum, religion has reemerged as an anchor. “Faith gives structure,” Aupers explains, “in a time when traditional norms have faded and individuals must find their own way.”
The influencers Fasseur profiles see themselves not as preachers but as relatable peers. Glen Fontein, once known for light-hearted sketches, began making Christian content after encountering faith through TikTok. His videos, gentle reflections filmed during forest walks, speak to followers about prayer, doubt and finding peace. For singer Marc Floor, well known for the Dutch televised talent show The Voice Kids, faith became central after a personal spiritual awakening in Norway. He now uses his music to express belief and help others “find rest in God.” And for Krista Ros, who began posting after what she describes as divine inspiration, faith and fashion blend seamlessly: her pastel-toned videos feature Bible-study sessions, modest outfit ideas, and reflections on grief and healing.
These creators reject the idea that Christianity must be austere or outdated. They position belief as compatible with modern life, even aspirational. Yet their rise also raises questions about authenticity and commercialisation. Social media rewards engagement, and the line between spiritual testimony and influencer marketing can blur. The Dutch Media Authority recently fined one influencer for undisclosed advertising, revealing how faith-based content can also become a monetised lifestyle brand. Still, many insist their motivation is spiritual, not financial.
The signs of revival are visible offline too. Churches like Maranatha Ministries in Amsterdam-West have begun hosting The Saturday Service, attracting hundreds of young worshippers, many of whom first encountered Christianity through social media. Baptisms, often livestreamed and shared as viral TikToks, have become both spiritual acts and digital performances of rebirth.
Whether this movement signals a lasting spiritual shift or a transient online trend remains to be seen. But as Fasseur shows, one thing is clear: even in an age of algorithms, the human search for meaning endures and sometimes, salvation comes with a ring light.
Original article ‘De kerken raken leger, maar het aantal gen Z’ers dat het geloof vooral online belijdt, lijkt toe te nemen’ by Bo Fasseur was published in Dutch on 12 August 2025.
It’s available here.
de Volkskrant is one of the Netherlands’ leading national newspapers, known for its in-depth reporting, investigative journalism and cultural analysis.
