What will happen to organized religion in the next 50 years?

[dust1n]

Question for the people who keep referring to 'religious cycles'... is there any evidence for this? What time in America history did we go through one of these 'cycles'?


With the OP. It appears in most developed nations, secularism and atheism are spreading rapidly, especially amongst the youth (I feel most confidantly speaking about the place I occupy). Generally, no one takes a young Christian seriously in these parts. They are pretty much regarded as the casualities of the Bible Belt. But their numbers steadily drop. Liberalization is taking place more and more often, whether it concern weed, or sex, or ontology.

However, in other parts of the world, religions are still growing, ESPECIALLY ISLAM, so it is unlikely we will see the conversion or death of 1 billion people in fifty years. I do expect religion will slowly die off and it becomes less and less useful to people.

 

[Gomeza]

I don't really view religious belief as part of the human condition in such that it is and always will be part of us. Religious belief is merely just a phase of ignorance evolving humans are experiencing, similar to other types of ignorant behaviors like slavery, racism, bigotry, etc. - this too shall pass.

It will be more of an economical factor as more people leave organized religions, the organizations will have to rely more and more on the few that attend demanding more and more money from them in order to survive.

Certainly, simple economics will be an increasingly important consideration as organized religions struggle to maintain their infrastructures with diminishing revenue sources. I see more and more congregations opening online stores peddling their religious paraphernalia and becoming more involved in fundraising activities as a current local trend.

Another insidious trend we are experiencing locally which has a direct correlation to the decline of organized religion in general, is a dramatic increase in door to door proselytizers. This past year it has bordered on ridiculous with two different "teams" showing up at the door this past Saturday alone. One would have to assume that the church hierarchy for these groups sees the writing on the wall and is attempting to bolster lagging subscription by staging all out campaigns.

 

[rusra02]

I'm just old enough to remember what it was like 50 years ago. All stores and businesses were closed on Sunday (shopping on Sunday was unheard of). The entire populace of the small town I lived in at the time would get up early Sunday morning, put on their best duds and trot off to one of a number of services held concurrently in all of the local churches throughout the day. The services themselves were mostly packed houses, it was important to arrive early so as not to suffer the indignity of finding only standing room at the back of the hall.

Since that time the number of churches has grown dramatically, reaching a saturation point it seems about 20 years ago with the last church building boom. Today, a great deal of attrition has taken place, congregation amalgamation is common, the fewer services held on Sundays are generally attended by audiences a fraction of the size of a few decades ago. Casual wear has replaced the suits and dresses of our parents. Church buildings quite often become available on the local real estate market.

Are we witnessing the death knell of this type of worship? If the current trends continue what will organized religion look like in 50 years?

Organized false religion has existed on earth since Nimrod's days, and actually began in the garden of Eden. I believe the Bible pictures the world system of false religions as an abhorrent prostitute, named "Babylon the Great". We are urgently warned: "Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven....in one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong." (Revelation 18:4-8) So I expect that organized, false religion will not exist in 50 years, and probably be gone far sooner than that.

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[A Troubled Man]

Another insidious trend we are experiencing locally which has a direct correlation to the decline of organized religion in general, is a dramatic increase in door to door proselytizers. This past year it has bordered on ridiculous with two different "teams" showing up at the door this past Saturday alone. One would have to assume that the church hierarchy for these groups sees the writing on the wall and is attempting to bolster lagging subscription by staging all out campaigns.

I've seen that too, and find that to be one of the best opportunities in which to talk with those proselytizers face to face. I had one fellow bring his 11 year old son along and while we stood there debating evolution and creationism, I could see the face of the boy lighting up with interest and enthusiasm although he did not speak. As they left, I asked the boy what he thought considering he said nothing throughout the debate. He glanced up sheepishly at his father and then looked at me and said, "I don't believe in evolution."

 

[Gomeza]

Organized false religion has existed on earth since Nimrod's days, and actually began in the garden of Eden. I believe the Bible pictures the world system of false religions as an abhorrent prostitute, named "Babylon the Great". We are urgently warned: "Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven....in one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong." (Revelation 18:4-8) So I expect that organized, false religion will not exist in 50 years, and probably be gone far sooner than that.

Let me guess: are you a Jehovah Witness? . . . when you use the term "false religions" repeatedly you are implying that there exists a "true religion" somewhere on this planet. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that the true religion happens to be yours? (If I am incorrect in my assumptions please fell free to correct me.) . . but if I am correct: you are suggesting that your small Christian sect, one of over 30,000 similar divisions found within Christianity has it right while all other members of our species including all other Christians have it wrong.

Please clarify if this is not the primary implication of what you are saying

 

[Gomeza]

Question for the people who keep referring to 'religious cycles'... is there any evidence for this? What time in America history did we go through one of these 'cycles'?

With the OP. It appears in most developed nations, secularism and atheism are spreading rapidly, especially amongst the youth (I feel most confidantly speaking about the place I occupy). Generally, no one takes a young Christian seriously in these parts. They are pretty much regarded as the casualities of the Bible Belt. But their numbers steadily drop. Liberalization is taking place more and more often, whether it concern weed, or sex, or ontology.

However, in other parts of the world, religions are still growing, ESPECIALLY ISLAM, so it is unlikely we will see the conversion or death of 1 billion people in fifty years. I do expect religion will slowly die off and it becomes less and less useful to people.

You have articulated an important point that I should have considered when beginning this thread. There is a big difference between current religious trends in western cultures versus the developing world. Islam is the only religion that is still experiencing real growth worldwide. This is so primarily due to third world birthrates but when we also consider political and economic factors influencing this growth, it is reasonable to assume that the decline of organized religion in the undeveloped nations will take place over a much longer time period. They may not have even finished this current growth cycle in 50 years.

 

[Gomeza]

I've seen that too, and find that to be one of the best opportunities in which to talk with those proselytizers face to face. I had one fellow bring his 11 year old son along and while we stood there debating evolution and creationism, I could see the face of the boy lighting up with interest and enthusiasm although he did not speak. As they left, I asked the boy what he thought considering he said nothing throughout the debate. He glanced up sheepishly at his father and then looked at me and said, "I don't believe in evolution."

I had to chuckle when reading this, I also find myself engaging them at the door and depending on the mood they catch me in and if time allows, I trot out one of a handful of responses ranging from polite debate to marginally cruel mocking. . .

 

[George-ananda]

I'm just old enough to remember what it was like 50 years ago. All stores and businesses were closed on Sunday (shopping on Sunday was unheard of). The entire populace of the small town I lived in at the time would get up early Sunday morning, put on their best duds and trot off to one of a number of services held concurrently in all of the local churches throughout the day. The services themselves were mostly packed houses, it was important to arrive early so as not to suffer the indignity of finding only standing room at the back of the hall.

Since that time the number of churches has grown dramatically, reaching a saturation point it seems about 20 years ago with the last church building boom. Today, a great deal of attrition has taken place, congregation amalgamation is common, the fewer services held on Sundays are generally attended by audiences a fraction of the size of a few decades ago. Casual wear has replaced the suits and dresses of our parents. Church buildings quite often become available on the local real estate market.

Are we witnessing the death knell of this type of worship? If the current trends continue what will organized religion look like in 50 years?

I think the old main line churches will continue to see a decline in active participation in the next 50 years. They won't see quite as much decline in membership as people will still use the church for child baptisms, marriages, etc.

The reason for the decline in participation are the changes in a new generation where higher-education is more common and the media and internet expose them to so much more. And the main line religions have some dogma issues that the modern intellectual probably does not agree with.

We are self-empowered by our own thoughts in the information age. People will not accept questionable things based on authorities (some thousands of years old) as the earlier less exposed generations did.

What I see is not a decline in belief in God and spirituality but more people in the 'Spiritual but not Religious' category.

 

[F0uad]

Many Christian and Atheist scientific work has shown us that Islam will grow from 1,7billion muslims to over 2,5billion or more in 2050.

 

[beerisit]

Does that prove P.T Barnum was right?

 

[rusra02]

Let me guess: are you a Jehovah Witness? . . . when you use the term "false religions" repeatedly you are implying that there exists a "true religion" somewhere on this planet. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that the true religion happens to be yours? (If I am incorrect in my assumptions please fell free to correct me.) . . but if I am correct: you are suggesting that your small Christian sect, one of over 30,000 similar divisions found within Christianity has it right while all other members of our species including all other Christians have it wrong.

Please clarify if this is not the primary implication of what you are saying

Absolutely, I believe there is a true religion, one approved by God. (John 4:23) If there is a true God, there must be a true religion. It wouldn't make sense to belong to a religion that you don't believe teaches the truth, would it? I am suggesting people read the Bible for themselves to find the one faith that is following the Christ. I certainly want to heed the warning at Revelation 18:4,5 concerning false religion: "Get out of her, my people."

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[9Westy9]

it will change or die out

 

[Heathen Hammer]

absolutely, i believe there is a true religion, one approved by god. (john 4:23) if there is a true god, there must be a true religion. It wouldn't make sense to belong to a religion that you don't believe teaches the truth, would it? I am suggesting people read the bible for themselves to find the one faith that is following the christ. I certainly want to heed the warning at revelation 18:4,5 concerning false religion: "get out of her, my people."

does that prove p.t barnum was right?

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[Gomeza]

Absolutely, I believe there is a true religion, one approved by God. (John 4:23) If there is a true God, there must be a true religion. It wouldn't make sense to belong to a religion that you don't believe teaches the truth, would it? I am suggesting people read the Bible for themselves to find the one faith that is following the Christ. I certainly want to heed the warning at Revelation 18:4,5 concerning false religion: "Get out of her, my people."

I've never understood how someone can bridge so many obvious inconsistencies and be happy with their completely irrational conclusion. A one true religion existing in the midst of so many other religions today redefines your imaginary God as fallible, cruel and indifferent. Considering that your religion is only about 140 years old and relatively small with probably around 7 million adherents worldwide, this would mean that the vast majority of mankind has historically never been exposed to what you feel is the "one true religion".

Do you really think that a group comprising less than .01% of our species has gotten their man made religious constructs right and that all others have got it wrong?

 

[idea]

I agree with Gomeza, although people will always need some form of belief, it will become moe individualized in the future (or virtual for that matter)

I agree with the need for your own personal testimony - no borrowed light and all that, but I do think one of the points of a church is community togetherness. It would be sad if it went to the internet / or to the individual, as there is power in physically gathering together/being together... imo that's one of the big points of religion - to understand what it is to be united with others / supported by others / together with others - the big commandment to love / serve - this requires being together.... and not just a social club type of gathering, but one where people feel free to share their innermost trials/triumphs, sing together, pray together - a gathering to address the spiritual side of life...

 

[beerisit]

I've never understood how someone can bridge so many obvious inconsistencies and be happy with their completely irrational conclusion. A one true religion existing in the midst of so many other religions today redefines your imaginary God as fallible, cruel and indifferent. Considering that your religion is only about 140 years old and relatively small with probably around 7 million adherents worldwide, this would mean that the vast majority of mankind has historically never been exposed to what you feel is the "one true religion".

Do you really think that a group comprising less than .01% of our species has gotten their man made religious constructs right and that all others have got it wrong?

This....

 

[Gomeza]

I agree with the need for your own personal testimony - no borrowed light and all that, but I do think one of the points of a church is community togetherness. It would be sad if it went to the internet / or to the individual, as there is power in physically gathering together/being together... imo that's one of the big points of religion - to understand what it is to be united with others / supported by others / together with others - the big commandment to love / serve - this requires being together.... and not just a social club type of gathering, but one where people feel free to share their innermost trials/triumphs, sing together, pray together - a gathering to address the spiritual side of life...

I would add the importance of critical social services, many of which are provided locally, regionally and worldwide by religious organizations, in some instances the only social services available.

There is no doubt that there are many benefits to be found in the traditional congregational infrastructure but the reality exists that the numbers of participants in these types of gatherings is diminishing.

 

[Jacksnyte]

I have a lot of respect for all the good missionaries of any faith do to help people, however, I have a real problem with the strings often attached to such help. An example would be requiring people to attend Christian services in order to get help (food, medicine, education, etc.). This kind of behavior has destroyed many cultures around the globe.
This being said, I forsee these practices tapering off as the 3rd world moves toward participation in the global community. Personally, I see a real possibility of personal spirituality eventually winning out over the large organized religious bodies within the next 30+ years.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

Overall, I think we'll continue to see a rise in Islam worldwide, but a modernized Islam. It would be encouraging, personally, to see a growing faith lead the way against misogynist cultural practices, and if I'm alive to see it, I hope to see Muslim women leading the way for women everywhere.

I also see religions, like economies, becoming less centralized and breaking into smaller and more localized groups. I think the trend is with many Americans, specifically, is that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better.

Texas will always refute that, though.

I think organized religion will adapt, too. It'll always modernize itself to the surrounding culture. Which here in the U.S. I see as more localized and much more Hispanic in 50 years.

 

[idea]

I would add the importance of critical social services, many of which are provided locally, regionally and worldwide by religious organizations, in some instances the only social services available.

There is no doubt that there are many benefits to be found in the traditional congregational infrastructure but the reality exists that the numbers of participants in these types of gatherings is diminishing.

I think everyone is getting too busy for everything - not just church, which is sad.