In terms of being religious, is the world today in a state of withdrawal?

Question

i would basically like to find out whether religion is a crutch for society, are people feeling disillusioned by the concept of religion, is atheism a good alternative...

Answer 1

Religion is on the decline with about a third of those raised as religious leaving the religion they were raised in with most just abandoning religion completely (though some do end up in other religions) and people who were raised non-religious tending not to be very likely to become religious later in life (only a small but vocal minority of non-religious people actually become religious).

Atheism is really just a result though, not an actual world-view, but a result of looking at the world and coming to a conclusion about the claims of religion. As religion dies we'll probably outgrow the word much in the same way we don't have a special word for those who think astrology is wrong.

The only places where religion is gaining on this planet are in developing nations (and it probably isn't even gaining, but just changing from one form to another under threat of violence and bribe of charity) and when they become developed I think we can expect to see them follow in the footsteps of the developed countries (the US seems to be behind the rest of the developed countries but even it is becoming post-religious).

Answer 2

You would have to take in the big picture. I do not believe the world is in religious withdrawl. The giant push Islam is making is one case in point. As well, Evangelical Christianity is making inroads in Africa, South America and Asia. The only places I can see religion gasping for air is in Europe and Western society, where there seems to be a slow and gradual decrease in religious attendance (Christian) and observance.

As for religion being a crutch, who knows. It is as much a part of the fabric of human being as any other facet of culture. The only difference is how dangerous it can be if improperly employed, let's say, in government.

Atheism as an alternative? Since most have not matured to this level of understanding at this time, atheism would not be a good choice to fill a vacuum left by religion, if religion would all but disappear. As much as I would like this to be the case I think we would have more problems than we do now.

Answer 3

well theres a big jump from organized religion to atheism. after all once can believe in some sort of God but not any specific version.

Answer 4

I don't think so. Rather it is the lack or inadequacy of religion that weakens Mankind. Religion per se is a personal and harmonious relationship with God. There is power, joy and everything we need to survive.

Answer 5

Hopefully. Religion is not necessary. It has caused more problems than anything else.

Answer 6

there is no crutch, there is the truth, many make up other stuff because they cannot understand what God is telling them, and they continue to be lost and they will unless they come to Jesus christ.

Answer 7

Ha Ha For What Belief in Self.(Jeremiah 10:23) 23 I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.