I know we've had lots and lots of religion threads before, but following on from the creation vs evolution debate, do you think that religion has suffered a decline in the last century? If so, why?

In the middle ages, religion was the be all and end all, life revolved around it. Nowadays it comes under scrutiny and appears to be followed by less and less people. I can't seem to put my finger on why. The role of the church has lessened, society seems to be more corrupt, perhaps it is the fault of the mass media?

No longer to people live and die by religion, it is seen as becoming increasingly flexible, people bending the rules to suit themselves?

Personally, I believe that religion does have a place in modern society, however it needs to become applicable to our lives.

"I like his films as much as getting an arrow through the neck..................and then discovering there's a gas bill tied to it."

[Link] - GEOFF THOMAS FUND

Hell no.

Everytime I get high I lay my head on my baby's breasts

no way is society more corrupt now than it used to be. medieval england was full of perverts, philanderers, coman, cheats, liars and theives. Many of these were part of the church.

If anything, the decline in the popularity of the church has led to society becoming increasingly tolerant and diverse. It also indicates that people are increasingly likely to choose not to follow organised religion when they have free choice.

The media always seems to become the scapegoat in these situations. It's easy to point the finger at these mega-institutions and blame them for all our wrong-doings (i know you only said 'perhaps'). In my opinion it all comes down to human behaviour, which hasn't fundamentally chnaged that much since the period i identify above. There will always be good eggs and bad eggs, and society now is definitely no worse than it used to be. We may be more aware of the evil that does occur, but surely that's better than turning a blind eye to corruption and violence as people used to.

Edited by tetley (16 Mar 2005 5:58pm)

[Link]

Its definatly going down-hill popularity wise, I'm not to sure myself, but I'd like to think theres somthing there

As Danny Butterfield wheeled away, arms aloft in celebration of his third goal – an expression of delight and astonishment on his face – a man seated beside me in the stands turned to his young son and told him that he would remember this moment for the rest of his life. I will too.

I disagree with that - my personal belief is that part of the reason for the decline of the church in this country is it's increasing relunctancy to stand up for it's beliefs.
The churches with most growth in the world are the ones that DO stand by their beliefs, and aren't so busy trying not to offend people that they just blend in with the rest of society.

religion is the biggest divider in the world!
a world with no religion would suit me, perfect!
and morals don't just come from the church

the art of being a palace fan is; To always belive it will happen but remember it probably won't!