Have you given up on organised religion? If so, you are far from alone. In many countries the number of people who describes themselves as 'not religious' is fast growing, a trend that suggests an uncertain future for institutional religion. This is proved by the survey carried out by the Global Index of Religion and Anthems, published by Gallup International.
The following are reasons I think organised religion is dying out:
MATERIAL PROSPERITY : The richer you get, the less religious you define yourself. This observation is significant because in many lands, material prosperity has risen dramatically. In some places, people enjoy a 'standard of living that would have made the greatest king of two hundred years ago turn green with envy'.
RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS AND MORALITY: Many people, especially the young, view organised religion as irrelevant and out of touch. Others have lost confidence in religion. People are now turning away from churches because they no longer believe in them as moral arbiter.
RELIGION AND MONEY : According to the Pew Research Center, a lot of people feel that religion puts too much emphasis on money. Adding to the problem, some religious dignitaries unlike their flocks, enjoy lavish lifestyles. A report in GEO magazine says that in Nigeria, "where 100million people live on less than one euro per day, the flamboyant lifestyles of some pastors is beginning to become a problem.
What do you think?
Awake November 2015.