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.
Organized religions are also experiencing a sudden increase in membership. Many people that grew up in religious homes are now returning to church, but they are not the only ones. There is also a marked increase in new members that did not grow up in religious homes. It seems that people need reassurance that there is order in the world and there is a deity that is in overall control.
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.
For many people the church constitutes a safe have where true and honest values are maintained. They have come to view life as artificial, with artificial values and norms. In church they feel part of a loving community where they are accepted and loved not for what they own, but rather for the person that they have become. This is a safe and non judgemental community.
The principle of love thy neighbour as you live yourself is very attractive to numerous church members. They learn to love themselves, because their religion teaches them that they have been created in the superior image of their maker. They see this same likeness in their fellow members and rejoice in the fact that they are special and unique.
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.
Organized religions are also experiencing a sudden increase in membership. Many people that grew up in religious homes are now returning to church, but they are not the only ones. There is also a marked increase in new members that did not grow up in religious homes. It seems that people need reassurance that there is order in the world and there is a deity that is in overall control.
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.
For many people the church constitutes a safe have where true and honest values are maintained. They have come to view life as artificial, with artificial values and norms. In church they feel part of a loving community where they are accepted and loved not for what they own, but rather for the person that they have become. This is a safe and non judgemental community.
The principle of love thy neighbour as you live yourself is very attractive to numerous church members. They learn to love themselves, because their religion teaches them that they have been created in the superior image of their maker. They see this same likeness in their fellow members and rejoice in the fact that they are special and unique.
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.
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