Modern life is fast and competitive. It is also fraught with uncertainties. So many people feel as if they are caught up on a relentless treadmill that takes them nowhere. They see no meaning in their lives and they seek it by consulting therapists and self help books. They feel scared too, especially since international conflict started to escalate. For many such people, trying to learn how to find inner peace with God is the only answer.
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.
One of the reasons why people are flocking back to the church is that they have become fearful. In their search for meaning in life they discover, among other things, that life is exceedingly short. They want to believe the message that there is such a thing as life everlasting and they want to make sure that they will indeed inherit eternal life. This is, indeed, one of the central promises of almost all religions.
For many people the church constitutes a safe have where true and honest values are maintained. They have come to view life as artificial, with artificial values and norms. In church they feel part of a loving community where they are accepted and loved not for what they own, but rather for the person that they have become. This is a safe and non judgemental community.
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.
There can be no doubt that numerous people are looking for meaning in their lives. Many find that meaning in religion and from serving a loving, powerful deity. Religious orders are certainly growing and in some cases they have become powerful voices in government and in their local communities.
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.
One of the reasons why people are flocking back to the church is that they have become fearful. In their search for meaning in life they discover, among other things, that life is exceedingly short. They want to believe the message that there is such a thing as life everlasting and they want to make sure that they will indeed inherit eternal life. This is, indeed, one of the central promises of almost all religions.
For many people the church constitutes a safe have where true and honest values are maintained. They have come to view life as artificial, with artificial values and norms. In church they feel part of a loving community where they are accepted and loved not for what they own, but rather for the person that they have become. This is a safe and non judgemental community.
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.
There can be no doubt that numerous people are looking for meaning in their lives. Many find that meaning in religion and from serving a loving, powerful deity. Religious orders are certainly growing and in some cases they have become powerful voices in government and in their local communities.
