Why is there so much debate in Religion today?Is it dying or prospering?

Answer 1

I think that religions have failed to keep up to date with society for so long that societal morals and values have mutated beyond religious bounds, and so now there is much more debate than perhaps there once was. Society has abandoned religion for secularism not only because religions are becoming outdated in their practices, but also because there are so many religions in one place (U.S.) that in order for all to be equally respected, secularism must lead a country.

Have you ever seen the movie Pleasantville? It was basically about two teenagers of a modern time being warped into a black-and-white '50s sitcom, where the teenagers eventually overcome the conservative values of the time (no premarital sex, for example) and supposedly enlighten the people of the past to the free lifestyle of "today."

The Roman Catholic Church in particular (I'm afraid I'm not completely up-to-date on other religions) has always been slow to morph its traditions to the changes occurring in society, and so most of its potential members drift away like the two teenagers for a more moderate take on society's actions. For example, the RCC has always had a rather unhealthy take on sex in general. Being against premarital sex is understandable, but obviously the message is not getting across well in society -- including many Catholic teenagers. For those who repent such a proclaimed sin, they are chastised and ridiculed instead of being supported for the consequences they are about to endure (i.e. parenthood) or being brought to an understanding of why their actions should not be repeated again in God's eyes. Instead, perhaps the RCC should have, from the beginning, not put such a taboo on discussing sexuality in the first place -- as was done with the idea of priests molesting children -- it was first considered ludicrous, and only now is coming out as truth.

So why is there so much debate in religion today? Because its values don't often match up well with what a more free-loving society has chosen to abide by. Is religion dying or prospering? It seems to be dwindling in Europe and North America, but in Africa and Central America, at least with Christianity, religion is blossoming like wildfire.

Answer 2

If you're a gardener, you know that unless you till the soil, stir it up and let in some air, the plants won't grow. A hard, crusty ground won't produce a crop. So if you want a healthy belief system, you have to break the ground up, shake it around, and let in some fresh air.

Answer 3

There's always been a lot of debate. People are looking for some highest power, but they are confused...

Answer 4

There has always been. In the 1800's there were freethinkers as well. Read up on Jefferson's bible. It never friggin ends!!!

Answer 5

Faith is thriving in many people.

Unfortunately faith is languishing in many people who are too involved in this materialistic world.

We need to pray for them.

With love in Christ.