Religious Evolution

[Zeluvia]

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstrac...679D946497D6CF

Okay, there is another thread in Apologetics about Evangelists and other
so-called hypocrites, I do not want to discuss THEM.

There is also a thread about Christian Mysticism

I want to discuss religion in it's social context, and what you think about

1) The social psychology of people that "follow" the "hypocrites".

Why? This wouldn't exist if people didnt follow it.

So, I have been interested in what I think is the "capitalization of Christianity" and I dug up this old article about it, from 1905.

If you agree that this is a trend, that religion is being marketed like a product, what do you think the future of religion is, particularly in Western Society.

Feel free to digress. I am not much interested in arguing apologetics anymore, I am more interested in the future, the clash of Islam and Christianity, and the clash of an "honor/shame" society with an individualistic one....

And how that will change religion ...

One reminder, if anyone does care to post their thoughts, remember, this is a NON-THEIST area only.

[Seasanctuary]

I don't think tacking 'evolution' onto everything is a great idea.

At any rate, I think religion will continue as it has for the last couple of centuries. No reason for it to radically change that I can see.

[Zeluvia]

Well, I am just wondering if you understand the appeal of the evangelicals, and if you think Islam would ever adopt such commercial methods for example.

Human ideas do change over time, and that is what I meant by evolution. It is a perfectly good word to describe changes over time.

I have been looking at the development of monothesim and collectivist vs individualistic culture. I have also been looking at the
northern European pagan cultures, and wondering about the appeal of Christianity.

I don't think anyone could argue that the Roman melting pot meshed and changed ideas.

Now we have a world wide melting pot, here, in the internet.

I do see reasons for radical change, maybe not in the basic needs for purpose and explanation, but certainly in how it is manifested in society.

Islam can be a very attractive religion. I think it has some elements that might be a counterpoint to the prosperity gospel. I doubt Christians will become Muslims, but I could certainly see some of the ELEMENTS of Islam being incorporated into Christianity, just as it seems some of the Eastern religion elements are being adopted.

Then, if you go even farther into the future, and factor in the effects of climate and energy, I can certainly see pressures to change society and therefore religion.

Maybe this interests me because I have seen so much change over my life, and I won't be around to see what happens next = )

[Zeluvia]

http://www.esatclear.ie/~dialogueire...ith2-part1.htm

Here is another article I found, that goes with what I am thinking.

As Christianity becomes more "commercial", does Islam gain appeal?

Wouldn't Islam also though be changed by it's contact with the West?

[Seasanctuary]

Human ideas do change over time, and that is what I meant by evolution. It is a perfectly good word to describe changes over time.

After some consideration, I decided that I've been wrong to claim the word 'evolution' should only be used in reference to things resembling biological evolution by means of natural selection.

It does seem to be a more general term than that.

[Zeluvia]

I am still reading with fascination both Christian and Muslim debates, here and on other boards, about the changing facets of their religions.