Keeping an Eye on Technology Futures, No Hidden Agendas, New Attitudes, No Platitudes!
In the first decade of this new century, I can't think of ANY conflict in the world today that involves anything other than Religion.
Here's a list of the major world religions (Source: Adherents.com):
Sadly, the two largest religions of the world, Christianity and Islam seem to be increasingly in conflict.
This past week, Pope Benedict quoted some obscure medieval text which inflamed the Muslim world. This crisis aside, Benedict clearly has a more hawkish approach to Islam than his predecessor. Militant Muslims link this to increased American militarism. Unlike previous Protests over Danish cartoons, the Pope's thoughtless blunder will have far-reaching effects for many years. It's interesting to note that there are more Muslims in the world, than Catholics.
The cover of the Sept-Oct 2006 of "The Futurist" (journal of the World Future Society) features an article by Tom McFaul, professor of ethics and religious studies and author of a forthcoming book regarding the role of the world religions in the 21st Century.
In the WFS article, "Religion in the Future Global Civilization" McFaul explores 3 possible scenarios regarding whether world religions will bring greater peace and justice or more hatred and hostility.
McFaul concludes, "The most probable future is this: From now until 2025, Exclusivism will increase. Between 2025 and 2050, Pluralism will gradually replace it."
