JPII and the future of the Church: Reflections on Steinfels' Essay

Responding to Michael P's post, "Recommended Reading:  Peter Steinfels," Jason Adkins blogging at the Seventh Age writes:  "The religiosity of Catholic youth in America is actually exploding, but I would wager in the 18-35 demographic, not the teenage demographic."  He isn't surprised by the lack of religiosity among those under 18 because they largely live a pampered life ("soft America") allowing them (for a time) to evade the great questions of purpose and meaning.  Once these questions come to the fore, JPII and the Church provide answers in a beautiful and inspiring way.

I'll throw in my two cents on the possible disconnect between JPII's youth appeal and the religiosity of young American Catholics.  My perception is that John Paul II inspired a core group of young Catholics who are now in love with Christ and His Church.  This core group of Catholics will evangalize their peers, and if not their peers, their peers' children (if they have any).  This core group will provide the priests and religious of the next generation.  The vast majority of this core will not enter into religious life, but they will have larger than average families.  In other words, it is way too earlier to taste-test the fruits of JPII's appeal to the youth.