Recently the BBC commissioned a poll asking 600 British residents between the ages of 16 and 24 to pick their most important moral issue from eight options.

The most popular answer? “Looking after my family.” 

The least popular answer? “Buying ethical products.” 

Here is the full list: 

  • 59% of those questioned said looking after their family was most important
  • 12% said it was putting others first
  • 8% cited being faithful to a partner
  • 5% listed caring for the environment
  • 4% cited having religious faith
  • 4% felt paying taxes was most important
  • 4% said playing a part in the local community
  • 1% listed buying ethical products

I know that only about 25 percent of young Britons consider themselves religious, but I was still surprised to see religious faith rank so low. Even more surprising: when poll subjects were asked to rank their least important issue, one third of respondents cited religion — qualifying it as the least important moral concern for young Britons.

The times, they are a-changin’.