Why is True Religion Outdated in the 21st Century? Do We Really Need Freedom from Religion?
Faith and religion have always been important constituents of society. Over the thousands of years, they have emerged to be important parts of politics, economy, and culture. Each religious institution, with their own sets of features.
Along with disciplines, they have claimed since their respective beginnings. They all claim to be the only true religion, propagating themselves as the religion of peace. Even though nearly 80% of the world has an affiliation with religions, the tendency of asserting freedom from religion is also emerging.
In the 21st century, the question often arises: how religion can keep up with the trends of society? This leads to a more significant question - is religion outdated in the 21st century? If it is, then why?
Here, we will try to understand the real relevance of religion in the 21st century. Especially as more people have started seeking freedom from religion.
Conflict of Beliefs
A tendency of atheism is emerging around the world over the years. More and more people are losing faith in their true religions. One of the major reasons for such developments is :
the conflict between the age-old religious doctrines and the concepts of modern society.
Here, we can take the example of some of the oldest religions. Those that condemn homosexuality, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Or those that preach as religions of peace but result in violence. Such doctrines of religion contrast the unorthodox evolution of the 21st-century society.
Family relations and social paradigms are changing. People are losing faith in what they claim themselves to be true religions. Many are seeking freedom from religion through atheism. Some just stop paying attention to its relevance.
Science Doesn't Need God
It is a known fact that religious beliefs remain in stark contrast with scientific rationality. With the increase in scientific developments, the qualities of "true religion” are being questioned.
The World Economic Forum conducted a discussion in 2013. Here, renowned scientist Lawrence Krauss spoke about how religion is becoming irrelevant in the modern world.
He stated that this growing insignificant. It is being driven by the individual’s “want” to believe. Rather than actual “faith”. This signifies that even followers are unconsciously looking for freedom from religion. He questions how the wisdom that religions offer can be competent, mainly when they have been ignorant about basic scientific inquiry.
Shift from Religion to Spirituality
Religious institutions appeal to their followers through the aspect of morality. The famous historian Yuval Noah Harari states that no religion but the appreciation of suffering is what presents morality to the humankind. Thus, religion is becoming an insignificant aspect of the modern world, even in the question of morality.
He also notes that the dimensions of spirituality are more separated from the questions of religions. Such is the situation in the 21st century. Spirituality, associating itself with philosophy. As against religious consciousness. It is making its way into the modern world, while the total relevance of religion is getting lost.
Politics and violence are another main reason for the religious decline. Communal violence is changing the perceptions of the religion of peace. All these factors are in collaboration. They are pushing towards out-dating the so-called true religions from the 21st century and thereby increasing the outcry for freedom from religions.
The 21st century is not only witnessing a religious decline. It also presents itself as the nodal point of a paradigm shift in religious understanding.
Also Read: What was Jesus really Look Like: Hidden Mystery of Jesus’ Appearances that may Leave You Perplexed
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