Religion And The Modern World Essay - 1334 Words

Religions and civilization have always gone hand in hand, forming and evolving as time goes on. With so many various religions represented throughout history and in our diverse cultures, there are various subjects, ideas, and themes depicted and repeated. With so many concepts available to us in so many forms, we are able to easily compare and discuss their presence and how they integrate into concepts of the modern world. Two forms of religion are animism versus anthropocentrism. Animistic religions are the oldest kind of religion (though only ten percent of the world currently practice) and maintains the belief that everything around us has a soul - animals, plants, the elements. Animistic religions view everything as sacred, so the Earth and those who inhabit deserve to be treated with respect. Anthropocentric religions, however, hold a drastically different opinion. While animistic religions view all as sacred, anthropocentric religions, such as Christianity, believe that only humans have a soul, placing them on a pedestal and regarding them as something superior to all other lifeforms. Due to the beliefs of anthropocentric religions, it can be argued that they benefit the capitalist economy. The capitalist economy likes to turn anything and everything possible into a profit, and by placing humans on a pedestal and viewing everything else as a lesser being, anthropocentric religions allow the expl oitation of natural resources without the accompanying guilt ofShow MoreRelatedDevelopment of Modern World and Religion Essay823 Words   |  4 PagesDevelopment of Modern World and Religion Since the beginning of human existence, our ability to think and ask questions has led us to answer questions sometimes with uncertainty and doubt. Many natural occurrences that are today easily explained due to our technological advances were great mysteries to early societies. By not being able to answer their questions, many attributed storms, floods, heat and cold to acts of gods, which was a much more plausible explanationRead MoreReligion and Science: Can They Coexist in the Modern World2284 Words   |  10 PagesReligion and Science: Can They Coexist in the Modern World Since the dawn of man, humans have struggled to explain the many mysteries of the universe, and to justify their existence in it. Throughout this journey of self-understanding, numerous standpoints about human existence have evolved and merged into a complex, abstract manifestation called religion. Advances in science and technology have yielded a new breed of human thought that has disturbed and shaken the foundations of religious ideologyRead MoreThe Wasteland and The Matrix Essay1481 Words   |  6 Pagesof world has always been called into the question. The same is true of commentaries on the state of mankind. T.S. Eliot’s The Wasteland is considered by many to be the greatest poem of all time. During Eliot’s time, the world was beginning to place more value on pop culture than high culture. Gone were the days where most were familiar with the works of the greats. The Wachowski Brothers’ film, The Matrix, deals with similar themes as The Wasteland . The sc ience fiction film set in world thatRead MoreEssay on Secularization588 Words   |  3 Pagessecularization is derived from the Latin word saeculum(world) it was first used to refer the transfer of property from the church to the civil princes. Now it denotes the process by which religion loses some or all of its power, dominance and authority. Secularization as a concept refers to the actual historical process whereby this dualist system #8220; this world; and the sacramental structures of mediation between this world and the other world progressively breakdown until the entire medieval systemsRead MoreThe Origins Of Christianity And Hinduism1737 Words   |  7 PagesFor the majority of the time that the largest religions in the world have existed, it has been in the pre modern era. As people developed and new ways of thought emerged, the scientific revolution sparked the modern era. This spark is what started to challenge many of the beliefs and practices upheld through all rel igions. Through these challenges, different interpreters and practices have formed which changed the course of development form the contemporary time period. This paper will reflect ofRead MoreModernity Is A Normal Part Of Daily Life That Has Made Its Way Into Religion1486 Words   |  6 PagesModernity is a normal part of daily life that has made its way into religion. Modernity, disenchantment, and secularization, not only all intertwine and play a role in today’s changing society, but the first one acts as cause for the other two, through ideas such as the Secularization Thesis and secularism arising as part of the disenchanted world. Before explaining how, it is important to first discuss what modernity is. Michael Saler describes it as: â€Å"a mixture of political, social, intellectualRead MoreEmile Durkheim s The Elementary Forms Of The Religious Life1608 Words   |  7 Pagesof the Religious Life examines religion through a social viewpoint, while Claude Là ©vi-Strauss’s The Savage Mind compares modern and â€Å"primitive† thought. Although their topics of interest differ, both works similarly rely on science to explain their anthropologic theories. Science serves as a useful reference point, since it embodies modern mode of thinking with high objectivity. Therefore, these writers can expand on their analysis of other ways to perceive the world by comparing and contrasting withRead MoreThe Transition Of Medieval And Modern Times1235 Words   |  5 PagesThe transition of Medieval to Modern happened over a long period of time. The middle ages marked a dark time in Europe’s history, and the people were anxious to get out. The Renaissance began, and art emerged to create a brighter society . During the Reformation, the country shifted away from the Roman Catholic Church, and many Protestant religions emerged. The Scientific Revolution also marked a change in medical to modern by creating new ways to look at the world and mathematics. The Age ofRead MoreReligion Essay1649 Words   |  7 PagesReligion Essay 1. What are the functions of religion? 2. Is it possible to be religious and accept the teachings of modern science? Based upon my opinion and research I believe that it is not possible to be religious and at the same time, accept the teachings of modern science. As explained in the two questions below, the idea of a religion is to seek the answer to the meaning of life, and after death, live in an eternity with their God. Many religions outline the beginning of the world andRead MorePeople s Views On Witches977 Words   |  4 PagesPeople’s views on witches have transformed from the pre-modern period to today. During the pre-modern time, many people believed the Devil carried out evil deeds through witches, but the witches were to blame for all of the misfortunes caused (Kramer and Sprenger 2). The modern era, though, rejects that belief. Today, it is rumored that witches are no longer associated with the Devil, and a witch is anyone at all who performs magic (Bolds 1). The definition of a â€Å"witch† as a whole has transformed