Religion in the 21st Century

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 10-31-2013, 15:13

Originally Posted by HoreTore

If I was to summarize all religions in the world, it would be something along the lines of "take are of the other people in your community, do not only think of yourself". At a fundamental level, all the religions from Abraham to Confucius is about caring for others than yourself. Historically, we have therefore seen that tasks like caring for the poor and maintaining law has been given to religious institutions.

Well, except for one religion. The newest one, Scientology, breaks with this completely. It is a self-centered religion, based on taking care of yourself rather than taking care of your neighbors. Those associated with Scientology will highlight how it has benefited themselves. A Christian missionary, for example, will focus on how his religion has helped others.

Is this is sign of a change in religion, a switch to a 21st century "me-me-me"-mentality?

Hmmm.

I think you're basically right - the great world religions arose in a time before social care or social politics - they tended to preach against the excesses and depredations of the elite even as they sheltered in their shadow.

Greyblades has indeed nailed Scientology as being a "cult" but the same is true of Western Buddhism or Evangelical Christianity. The old religions are out of step because they are founded on old mores and convictions about communities.

They attract the people that give a crap and everybody else laughs at them.

Bit depressing really - but you can't turn back the clock to a time when there was no welfare state - so I expect we will continue to tumble along as-is. There will always be people who either need support, or have a need to give it, and they will continue to gravitate to the old religions. You're also going to see more of this "feel good" and "new age" dross, though because people have twigged that "Science" is not a religion and will not scratch your spiritual itch.