Rise of religion: Why secularism may not dominate 21st century

An article by the Financial Times discusses the rise of religion in the coming decades, challenging the widely held assumption among secularists that atheism is an inevitable outcome of prosperity. The article highlights the global trend that religion is not diminishing but rather increasing in influence, particularly in regions with the highest birth rates, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

The author argues that secularist viewpoints may lack insight into global dynamics, given that around 80 per cent of the world’s population still identifies with a religious group. This is juxtaposed against the more secular trends in the West, where countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the UK have low levels of religious importance among citizens, with Christianity in decline in countries like England and Wales.

However, the piece also notes the growing influence of religion in Europe due to immigration and a potential shift in cultural attitudes toward spirituality. The rise in religious institutions, like mosques and Chinese churches, and the increasing openness of younger generations to spiritual experiences suggest that religion may play a more significant role in European life, despite the continent’s current secular leanings.

The author points out that there are signs of a revival of faith, even in traditionally secular contexts, with figures like historian Tom Holland and musician Nick Cave publicly acknowledging their Christian roots and the value of faith.

Additionally, the article touches on the growing rejection of aggressive atheism, especially in the face of figures like Jordan Peterson and Justin Brierley, who have highlighted a return to religious or spiritual discussions. The article emphasizes that the growing interest in spirituality isn’t necessarily a return to traditional forms of religion but rather a search for more personal, transformative, and often non-materialistic belief systems.

While the piece acknowledges that church attendance in the West is still low, it suggests that there is an emerging space for faith to be discussed without ridicule, as people, including high-profile individuals, increasingly express an interest in spiritual matters. It also touches on the rapid growth of evangelical and Pentecostal churches that focus on the supernatural and emotional experiences, presenting these churches as the ones most likely to thrive in the coming decades.

In conclusion, the article argues that far from entering an era of reason and atheism, the world will likely see an increase in diverse belief systems, ranging from traditional religions to newer spiritual movements, as people continue to seek meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world. The piece challenges secular assumptions and urges a more nuanced understanding of global religious trends in the 21st century.

The article highlights the increasing prominence of religion, especially in developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

The piece critiques Western secularists who expect atheism to rise with prosperity, pointing to the continued significance of religion worldwide.

Despite secular trends, the article suggests that religion is regaining some influence in Europe, with increasing diversity due to immigration and growing interest in spirituality among younger people.

The article foresees the rise of diverse belief systems, including evangelical and Pentecostal forms of Christianity, as well as spiritual movements that prioritize emotional and supernatural experiences over traditional doctrine.

Ultimately, the article emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the continuing global significance of religion, even as Western nations see secularization. It calls for a more informed approach to understanding the dynamics of faith in the modern world.

By Vafa Guliyeva