I am NOT looking for non-scientific answers like "because people are waking up to God's word".
I'm asking (particularly from any sociologists in da house) what the underlying reasons for this phenomenon are believed to be, given in particular the inexorable advance of science, and the fact that the opposite trend is occurring in Europe.
2006-07-23 03:47:33 · 8 answers · asked by the last ninja 6 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
To grkt59:
That's specifically what I was NOT asking for, but just to comment about Europeans surrendering, isn't religion meant to be about SURRENDERING yourself to God?
Anyway... I'll sit and wait for sensible answers...
2006-07-23 03:55:41 · update #1
In the US, religion is subject to the free market. The sheer number of religions and types of beliefs is greater here than anywhere else in the world. The religions that can appeal to the greatest number of people will succeed. Fundies present an appealing message to those people who feel unserved by current "tolerant" religions because "tolerance" requires effort and thoughfulness, something that people don't want to have if they aren't told they need it. Fundamentalism dismisses tolerance as the tool of the Devil, so it's easier to believe Fundies -- it's like junk food for the soul. Easy to consume and you feel full, but it's bad for you. Fundies are also more charismatic than other religions who usually have pastors & ministers who are trained in the "drone on and on" type of preaching. Fundies preach like it's a Broadway show. So it's entertainment like television. Give the people what they already want and they will flock to you.
2006-07-23 03:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fundamentalists (in Christianity, Islam or any religion) are the ones who were taught that it is evil to question and holy to believe. This usually occurs while they are so young that they are filled with curiosity and wonder about what is happening to have them be here and experiencing. It is taught before they have enough experience to exercise any sort of critical discernment. By joining their curiosity about the sacred with threats of eternal punishment and eternal reward, priests of whatever religion gain control of them for their entire lives.
When fundamentalists of two different religions encounter each other, each demonizes the other. It's not that there are more fundamentalists now than a decade or so ago. It's just that the meeting of Western and Eastern cultures has made them more visible than before.
2006-07-23 04:06:43 · answer #2 · answered by beast 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are losing faith in society and are grasping at anything to believe in, no matter how ridiculous the tales. Since our "leader' is claiming to be a Born-Again Chrisitan, the feeble minded follow him blindly into the religion.
I'm not a sociologist, but that's what it looks like to me.
2006-07-23 03:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by T Time 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That started in the US in the 30's. That word comes from a set of books called 'The Fundamentals' that was published here in the US.
2006-07-23 06:42:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People in the US are seeking certainty in this age of terrorists. In Europe, their mindset is so much one of appeasement, they do not seek strength. Europeans seek surrender, so do not see the value of religion.
2006-07-23 03:52:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two things to say.
1. You wouldn't understand it if people told you..
2. Stop taking the drugs and get into rehab. NOW. You're a serious case.
2006-07-23 08:04:38 · answer #6 · answered by Corey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because God given rights are Ir-revocable, And control freak one-worlders are running rampant.
2006-07-23 03:57:30 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is nice to have a belief that something greater is out there for us. God is a big part of our everyday lives and we need to acknowledge that.
2006-07-23 03:52:13 · answer #8 · answered by Theresa M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋