Plight of Western Religion: The Eclipse of the Other-Worldly

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2019
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Religion is a multifaceted concept that can encompass a wide range of meanings and interpretations. However, a substantive definition rooted in the notion of superhuman powers can provide clarity and help differentiate religion from other aspects of human life such as culture, ethnicity, morality, and politics. This definition inherently involves a perception of reality, which until recent centuries in the West and many cultures worldwide was primarily understood and experienced through the lens of otherworldly or spiritual forces. However, a significant cognitive shift has occurred due to the rise of science and its subsequent technological applications. This shift has led to a new consciousness that has not disproved the existence of spiritual forces but has marginalized the otherworldly, even within Western churches. While spiritual forces continue to exist, they are increasingly perceived as pressure groups promoting humanist values.

Claims of American exceptionalism in this regard are misleading. Obama's religion, Evangelical support for Trump, and the mega-church message of success in the capitalist system can all be considered cultural and political phenomena. This eclipse of the otherworldly constitutes a watershed moment in human history, with profound consequences not just for religious institutions but for our entire world order.

In conclusion, religion is a complex and multifaceted concept that can mean different things to different people. A substantive definition based on superhuman powers can help clarify its meaning and differentiate it from other aspects of human life. However, the rise of science and technology has led to a shift in consciousness that has marginalized the otherworldly, even within religious institutions. This shift has profound implications for our understanding of reality and the world order.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787381339