Religion and Politics: European and Global Perspectives

Religion and Politics: European and Global Perspectives
by Arnason, Johann P; Karolewski, Ireneusz Pawel

Date:2014
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Chapter title: Religious de-privatisation and political change: a global phenomenon
Page: 41

"Globally, two phenomena are simultaneously taking place. First, there is said to be an increase in various forms of spirituality and religiosity, although this also implies in many cases both fragmentation and decline in societal clout of hitherto leading religious organisations in many countries (Haynes 2013). The increase in spirituality and religiosity are manifested in various ways including ‘new’ religious and spiritual phenomena, including manifestations of ‘New Age’ spirituality; ‘foreign’, ‘exotic’ Eastern religions, including Hare Krishna; ‘televangelism’; renewed interest in astrology; and ‘new’ sects, such as the Scientologists."

I chose this passage in relation to my cultural text not so much because it agrees with (even though it does in a way) but mainly because I was surprised to read that there is an increase of religious people. However, these new believers are choosing what I consider harmless religions, these are religions that only enforce your well being and don't ask nothing in return, religions like  ‘New Age’ spirituality; ‘foreign’, ‘exotic’ Eastern religions as mentioned don't exist to extort the believers they only exist as an easier way to cope with reality. What left me worried was to see that sects like scientology are getting more and more members when they clearly exist only to rob people of their hard earned money. I highly recommend seeing this documentary if you have no idea of what scientology is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PDZt74adg