Can Earth be passed down to believers in the future?
In a notable development, the new pope, Robert Prevost, assumes the role of Pope Leo XIV at a time when Christianity is experiencing a marked resurgence in the Western world. This unexpected elevation may have excited progressive ideologues with hopes for another progressive papacy. However, the phenomenon of the faith's comeback is evident amid a growing unwaveringness towards progressive ideologies.
The decline of religion remains a pressing issue in most Western countries, particularly in Europe, where more than half of people under 30 identify as non-religious. In the US, the trajectory has been slightly less steep, reflecting similar trends, as only 45% of Americans today categorize religion as 'very important' in their lives, compared to 70% in 1965.
Despite this decline, the doomsayers may overstate the situation. In the US, signs of a lingering spiritual hunger persist, as over half of 'religiously unaffiliated' Americans still uphold the belief in God or some kind of universal spirit. Moreover, millennials have been the driving force behind Christianity's resurgence in the US.
Similar patterns are seen in decidedly secular Europe. France's Catholic Church records a 45% increase in baptisms this Easter compared to last year[2][4]; the UK is undergoing a similar conversion with the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who attend church at least monthly quadrupling from 4% in 2018 to 16% as of today[2][4]. The Bible Society reports that there are 2 million more people attending church now than there were six years ago.
Pope Leo's recognition of AI as humanity's primary challenge underscores his insightful understanding of the transformative impact of technological advancements on society. His views are critical, given the growing fascination among tech elites with merging humans and machines. A philosophy known as 'transhumanism' is gaining traction, with influential figures such as Larry Page, Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg advocating for bodily enhancements and extending human life through technology.
However, AI, despite its advancements, cannot replace human contact in the physical world, where religion thrives. The growing rebellion against atheism has been in the making for some time, as public intellectuals like Jordan Peterson, Douglas Murray, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali openly oppose secularism's preeminence. Simultaneously, the revival of 'natural theology' among scientists, drawing inspiration from breakthroughs in biology and physics, has resulted in a less random understanding of the universe.
Islamic nations, like Africa and immigrant communities, are fertile grounds for the growth of Christianity, as the faith offers a message of hope and provides spiritual sustenance to the lower and working classes[3]. This increase in Christian observance may benefit America and the West, countering many of the ills that plague the modern world, such as shrinking families, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
For instance, studies show that the fertility rate of women attending weekly religious services is significantly higher than that of non-churchgoers[3]. Furthermore, religious adherents maintain their historical commitment to charity, contributing more than half of all charitable donations in the US, and providing nearly 60% of beds for the homeless through faith-based institutions[3].
Unlike liberal faiths, which are struggling to appeal to new generations, the future of Catholicism lies in embracing traditional values. The Catholic laity tends to be conservative on cultural issues[3], a contrast to the mainstream Protestant churches that are witnessing membership losses as they embrace more progressive, woke ideologies.
Sources:1. Gallup2. Bible Society3. Harvard Study4. ONS (Office for National Statistics) - UK Baptism Statistics5. Pew Research Center6. The King's College - Milbank Memorial Fund Seminar on Natural Law
- The resurgence of Christianity in the Western world, evident in both the United States and Europe, challenges the prevalence of secular ideologies and progressive politics.
- In defiance of the secular trend, millennials and many young adults are driving the revival of Christianity, with a growing number attending church and maintaining their faith.
- Amidst this renewed interest in religion, the debate over free speech and identity politics has become increasingly prominent, reflecting the broader cultural context.
- The Catholic Church, under Pope Leo XIV, acknowledges technology as a primary challenge, yet emphasizes the importance of human contact and community, particularly in the physical world where religion flourishes.
