An examination of the tendency towards atheism on young adults in terms of religious education

Nowadays, individuals' relationship with belief has become much more fluid and questioning compared to the past. Particularly among young adults, the tendency to distance oneself from religious beliefs or to reject faith altogether is noticeably increasing. Examining this situation from the perspective of religious education is crucial for planning and implementing religious education in a way that meets contemporary needs. The aim of this study is to investigate, from a religious education standpoint, the reasons why individuals who once identified as Muslim later abandon this belief and embrace atheism, to identify the issues that contribute to an individual's atheism, and to offer solutions to these problems. The study group consists of individuals aged 18-25 who once identified as Muslim but have since abandoned this religious identity and embraced atheism, defining themselves as atheist. 7 female and 8 male participants were reached through snowball sampling, and in-depth interviews were conducted with them. The phenomenological research design, which offers a comprehensive view of human experiences, was preferred in the study. The data obtained through in-depth interviews and observations were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and content analysis methods. MAXQDA 11 qualitative data analysis software was used in the analysis of the data. According to research findings, various factors in religious education have been identified as influential in individuals' inclination toward atheism. In this context, the family's religious attitude, representation of religion, and the religious language and approach used toward children; the approach of religious studies teachers within formal religious education and the lack of pedagogical training and knowledge gaps among religious officials providing informal religious services; as well as religious interactions within peer groups and religious content/guidance on social media have emerged as determining factors in individuals' turn toward atheism. Therefore, to ensure effective and quality religious education, these factors must be taken into account and integrated into educational programs. Keywords: Religious Education, Atheism, Religious Orientation, Young Adulthood, Belief.