Modern life is fast and competitive. It is also fraught with uncertainties. So many people feel as if they are caught up on a relentless treadmill that takes them nowhere. They see no meaning in their lives and they seek it by consulting therapists and self help books. They feel scared too, especially since international conflict started to escalate. For many such people, trying to learn how to find inner peace with God is the only answer.
The last two decades have seen a massive increase in people becoming interested in spiritual matters and in methods, techniques and philosophies that promise self fulfilment, happiness and a purpose in life. Numerous books have been published in this field and there are countless websites dedicated to this genre. Personal coaches are in high demand and philosophies such as yoga enjoy an all time peak in popularity.
Large numbers of people are flocking back to the church. Surveys and studies show that people are returning to organized religion for a wide variety of reasons. They all believe in a supreme creator, however. They also believe that this supreme being is in control of all events, large and small, including the minutiae of the life of every human being.
A lot of people return to the bosom of the church because they are fearful. In many cases such people never really stopped believing, but simply got sidetracked by the many demands made upon them by their careers and their families. They now reaffirm their faith because they need to know that life is ordered and that there truly is a being that is in full control. They need to be assured that life and events around them are not random, but rather part of a grand plan.
It is not only the desire to know that there is a deity in ultimate charge that there is therefore order that draw people to organized religion. Many people experience modern life as superficial and as a relentless race for earthly possessions and status. They want to be loved and cherished. Most religions preach a dogma of a loving deity, somebody that accepts each individuals just as he is. This deity promises unconditional love and eternal life.
For many people religion and the practice thereof becomes the main focus in their lives. Indeed, many churches are actively involved in a variety of charities and outreach programs. Involvement in these activities provides many people joy and fulfilment. For them, the real meaning of life is to serve their deity and other human beings. By serving others they forget about their own selfish needs.
There are many people and even organizations that decry the influence churches and religious orders exerts on modern society. They say that the existence of an almighty God is a fallacy and that those that choose to believe this myth should at best be pitied. They see religion as a dangerous practice that aims to undermine modern society and that holds no benefits whatsoever.
One fact is certain. Church memberships are growing and more and more people are finding peace and fulfilment in church. There is no harm in that, except, of course, when the religious order becomes militant, exclusive and abusive.
The last two decades have seen a massive increase in people becoming interested in spiritual matters and in methods, techniques and philosophies that promise self fulfilment, happiness and a purpose in life. Numerous books have been published in this field and there are countless websites dedicated to this genre. Personal coaches are in high demand and philosophies such as yoga enjoy an all time peak in popularity.
Large numbers of people are flocking back to the church. Surveys and studies show that people are returning to organized religion for a wide variety of reasons. They all believe in a supreme creator, however. They also believe that this supreme being is in control of all events, large and small, including the minutiae of the life of every human being.
A lot of people return to the bosom of the church because they are fearful. In many cases such people never really stopped believing, but simply got sidetracked by the many demands made upon them by their careers and their families. They now reaffirm their faith because they need to know that life is ordered and that there truly is a being that is in full control. They need to be assured that life and events around them are not random, but rather part of a grand plan.
It is not only the desire to know that there is a deity in ultimate charge that there is therefore order that draw people to organized religion. Many people experience modern life as superficial and as a relentless race for earthly possessions and status. They want to be loved and cherished. Most religions preach a dogma of a loving deity, somebody that accepts each individuals just as he is. This deity promises unconditional love and eternal life.
For many people religion and the practice thereof becomes the main focus in their lives. Indeed, many churches are actively involved in a variety of charities and outreach programs. Involvement in these activities provides many people joy and fulfilment. For them, the real meaning of life is to serve their deity and other human beings. By serving others they forget about their own selfish needs.
There are many people and even organizations that decry the influence churches and religious orders exerts on modern society. They say that the existence of an almighty God is a fallacy and that those that choose to believe this myth should at best be pitied. They see religion as a dangerous practice that aims to undermine modern society and that holds no benefits whatsoever.
One fact is certain. Church memberships are growing and more and more people are finding peace and fulfilment in church. There is no harm in that, except, of course, when the religious order becomes militant, exclusive and abusive.
No comments:
Post a Comment