On many fronts, the world is in constant turmoil. There is conflict everywhere. Technology changes so fast that very few can keep up. Most people are under tremendous pressure to perform better, to do more and to acquire more. It is no wonder that so many people are starting to question the meaning of their lives. They see counsellors and psychologists. Many others think that the answer is to find out how to find inner peace with God.
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.
After decades of dwindling church attendance many denominations now experience a growth in active memberships. A number of studies and surveys, both formal and informal have been conducted about this phenomenon. One thing is clear. More and more people believe in the existence of a deity that is both omnipotent and omniscient. They believe that this deity is in control of not only the universe, but also of their own lives.
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.
The core of many religions is a dogma of love, obedience and acceptance. People are told that the deity loves them above all else, that they are created in the image of the deity and that they are unique and precious. They are also exhorted to also love one another. Many church members find this comforting and meaningful. The simplicity of the message of love becomes the meaning that they wanted in their lives.
Religion therefore offers people contentment and even self fulfilment. Church members feel fulfilled because they stop focusing on their own unhappiness and wants but rather focus serving their deity. They reach out to others less fortunate than themselves and such acts provide them with a sense of happiness and usefulness. Many find a new meaning in life and they thrive in the company of others that believe as they do.
There is an abundance of critics against organized religion. These people say that there is no such thing as a God. They say that believers are naive people that delude themselves. Some even go as far as to say that science has proven that there is no supreme being that created and still control the universe. They say that religious leaders simply play upon the fears of people for the simple purpose of self glorification and material gain.
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.
After decades of dwindling church attendance many denominations now experience a growth in active memberships. A number of studies and surveys, both formal and informal have been conducted about this phenomenon. One thing is clear. More and more people believe in the existence of a deity that is both omnipotent and omniscient. They believe that this deity is in control of not only the universe, but also of their own lives.
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.
The core of many religions is a dogma of love, obedience and acceptance. People are told that the deity loves them above all else, that they are created in the image of the deity and that they are unique and precious. They are also exhorted to also love one another. Many church members find this comforting and meaningful. The simplicity of the message of love becomes the meaning that they wanted in their lives.
Religion therefore offers people contentment and even self fulfilment. Church members feel fulfilled because they stop focusing on their own unhappiness and wants but rather focus serving their deity. They reach out to others less fortunate than themselves and such acts provide them with a sense of happiness and usefulness. Many find a new meaning in life and they thrive in the company of others that believe as they do.
There is an abundance of critics against organized religion. These people say that there is no such thing as a God. They say that believers are naive people that delude themselves. Some even go as far as to say that science has proven that there is no supreme being that created and still control the universe. They say that religious leaders simply play upon the fears of people for the simple purpose of self glorification and material gain.
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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