Fundamentalism and the Search for God

[worldcitizen]

Hi Friends,

In the last century or so there’s been a rise in fundamentalism accompanied by a mass rejection of the traditional notions of God.

With the technological age dawning, and with man being ever so better educated to read and investigate truth for himself, questions have arisen about the usefulness and concepts of religion in our age.

This crass materialism has now spread throughout the word and it threatens the survival of religion itself. Materialism, capitalism and consumerism are seen as the new saviours and gods and have established a religion of ungodliness throughout the world unparalleled in human history.

Alarming as the new age has been to the deeply religious, many have joined in groups of fundamentalists seeking to bring back ‘the good old days’ when religion was part of every man’s life and godliness was the bread and butter of society. Some elements of fundamentalism believe that we need to go ‘back to the basics’. While others say it’s a war of God vs the devil of materialism and ungodliness which they see sprung from the west and being a direct threat to God. So fanatics arise to establish a Holy World Order to replace the wests’s material order.

Has humanity really strayed from ‘true religion’? Or has it rejected what the mind can no longer accept? Has humanity out worn the shibboleths we have relied on for centuries and will only accept faith based upon reason?

Has science destroyed the idols we have been so fond of for centuries?

Has humanity rejected the old ways and embarked on a new SEARCH FOR GOD???

I think it has and humanity now is looking for practical solutions from religion not just esoteric experiences. People expect a better world from religion not just passive beliefs which it seems to view as useless and of no value anymore.

What kinds of things is humanity rejecting about religion and what will turn man back to God? A forced Jihad? or the return of Christ ? or maybe a completely, new paradigm of religion never thought of before?

We need peace, a better life and human rights for all. If all religion can do is fight each other for supremacy will humanity discard it altogether?

How can we bring humanity back to God?

 

[worldcitizen]

Jihadists see a threat to God and want to force belief in God onto the world by force.

Which other ways can we bring humanity back to God?

If we have the answers we must put them on the table. In which ways can we bring about the betterment of the world and bring humanity back to God?

Preaching falls on deaf ears. It is not preaching the world wants but action. What can we do?

 

[sirach2v4]

In Christianity, Jesus says that no one can come to him unless the Divine Father calls him.

We cannot or should not expect universal acceptance of any religion including Christianity. There are those who reject all notions of God, for example.

Some people say they believe in science, but there are a lot of problems with that. Science has been used to hurt people more than religion has.

fundamentalism is a very broad term, and perhaps you really are referring to reductionism, where everything is reduced to economics, for example, or to primitive ideas of the survival of the strongest. Or, in physics, there is the oversimplified search for the “theory of everything.”

In this section of the Catholic Answers Forum, there may be many competing such ideas. People may fall away or stay away from Christianity as a unifying principle owing to various levels of skepticism or simply due to habit (culture) of how they were raised.

something that is not exactly fundamentalism, but something like it is what Catholics call natural law. For example, in most cultures life is highly valued and esteemed, with a sense of respect for others and for all human life, or indeed all living creatures.

Catholics see in many, even primitive religions, a search for a relationship with God.

 

[GEddie]

There has always been materialism, and there has always been spirituality, and there will always be both.

It is part of being both thinking body and breathing soul.

ICXC NIKA

 

[worldcitizen]

In Christianity, Jesus says that no one can come to him unless the Divine Father calls him.

We cannot or should not expect universal acceptance of any religion including Christianity. There are those who reject all notions of God, for example.

Some people say they believe in science, but there are a lot of problems with that. Science has been used to hurt people more than religion has.

fundamentalism is a very broad term, and perhaps you really are referring to reductionism, where everything is reduced to economics, for example, or to primitive ideas of the survival of the strongest. Or, in physics, there is the oversimplified search for the “theory of everything.”

In this section of the Catholic Answers Forum, there may be many competing such ideas. People may fall away or stay away from Christianity as a unifying principle owing to various levels of skepticism or simply due to habit (culture) of how they were raised.

something that is not exactly fundamentalism, but something like it is what Catholics call natural law. For example, in most cultures life is highly valued and esteemed, with a sense of respect for others and for all human life, or indeed all living creatures.

Catholics see in many, even primitive religions, a search for a relationship with God.

So much of the world has rejected God. What is it they are rejecting? Why are they finding belief in a God of no more daily value? Is it us that are at fault?

Is religion failing or has it failed humanity? All these religious wars. I believe religion has failed. If all the religions in the world combined cannot bring peace to our world then something is drastically wrong.

The fundamentalism or extremist groups see their world overtaken by western materialism and so wage a holy war to try and force humanity back to God.

Is it religion that must discard a lot of its shibboleths in order to become a force once again in the world? Must religion be renewed for this age? While religion may have provided comfort and guidance for past ages, it seems to have failed the modern age and is struggling for its own survival.

Where is God amidst all this confusion? Why have the nations been left to themselves to fight and destroy without any new guidance? Where’s Christ? We live in a nuclear age and God seems to have deserted us and humanity seems to have deserted religion in droves.

What’s the next step, a Third World War or the Second Coming or religion renewed? Can humanity just continue having these tensions and be nuclear armed with nothing happening?

What role does religion play today in establishing world peace?? Religion seems to be dying out in every land. What are people rejecting?

 

[worldcitizen]

There has always been materialism, and there has always been spirituality, and there will always be both.

It is part of being both thinking body and breathing soul.

ICXC NIKA

But why is religion failing humanity?

Everybody who is religious say they believe in peace but look at our world. Where’s peace?

Why can’t billions of ‘religious’ people establish peace??

 

[Robyn_p]

But why is religion failing humanity?

Everybody who is religious say they believe in peace but look at our world. Where’s peace?

Why can’t billions of ‘religious’ people establish peace??

Why can’t religious people establish peace? Because we are sinful, and that would require a radical surrender of self to God that most people - religious and non-religious alike - don’t want.

It’s not so much “religion” failing people as people failing religion. And yes, this does push people away from God. Which is why all of us need to repent and try to live more faithfully and humbly.

 

[worldcitizen]

Why can’t religious people establish peace? Because we are sinful, and that would require a radical surrender of self to God that most people - religious and non-religious alike - don’t want.

It’s not so much “religion” failing people as people failing religion. And yes, this does push people away from God. Which is why all of us need to repent and try to live more faithfully and humbly.

Is there anything we can do apart from passively watch the world destroy itself?

I like what Pope Francis is trying to do - reconciling with religions and trying to get some consensus for brotherhood amongs previous conflicting groups. But unless the rest of humanity and all Catholics get involved can he do it alone?

For instance. Jihadists are trying to make Christians hate Muslims to draw more people and nations into an east west war. More and more people are getting drawn in.

A good religious life is commendable but how do we reach out and find peace with those not of our faith? Why can’t we accept all religions? For instance a Muslim cannot become a Catholic and a Catholic cannot become a Muslim. Why ? because both believe in the same God? Also Jews and Christians accept the same God. Then why can’t they be one? Why is there separation? Can’t we all beome one human family united in our belief in one God and establish peace that way?

I mean no more religious division. Just one religion for all humanity under one God? Isn’t that the one fold and one shepherd Christ taught?

 

[Techno2000]

I mean no more religious division. Just one religion for all humanity under one God? Isn’t that the one fold and one shepherd Christ taught?

Man wants to do his own will, and doesn’t want to be told what he can and can’t do, everything obeys God except… Man and the Devil.

 

[Robyn_p]

Is there anything we can do apart from passively watch the world destroy itself?

I wouldn’t characterize doing our part and living the Gospel as faithfully as we can as "passively watching the world destroy itself.’’ In the end though, this world wasn’t meant to last. The Bible makes that clear. Christians believe that at the Last Judgment, Christ will come and make all things new. Then God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more.” (Revelation 21:4)

But until then, there’s not going to be a total and lasting peace on this earth. It’s not possible. Not while human beings have free will. Doesn’t mean we roll over and do nothing. Just means we don’t place our hope in this life.

I like what Pope Francis is trying to do - reconciling with religions and trying to get some consensus for brotherhood amongs previous conflicting groups. But unless the rest of humanity and all Catholics get involved can he do it alone?

No. That’s why I said we all need to repent and become more humble.

For instance. Jihadists are trying to make Christians hate Muslims to draw more people and nations into an east west war. More and more people are getting drawn in.

Yes, spreading hatred is evil.

A good religious life is commendable but how do we reach out and find peace with those not of our faith?

By finding where we agree and working from there.

Why can’t we accept all religions? For instance a Muslim cannot become a Catholic and a Catholic cannot become a Muslim. Why? because both believe in the same God? Also Jews and Christians accept the same God. Then why can’t they be one? Why is there separation? Can’t we all beome one human family united in our belief in one God and establish peace that way?

Muslims, Christians and Jews believe mutually exclusive things about who God is and what he wants for us, that’s why there is separation.

We shouldn’t encourage hate, but the truth also matters. There can’t be any real peace like you want without it. We don’t have to demonize each other, but we also can’t pretend there are no serious differences in our beliefs. That’s just patronizing to all the parties involved.

I mean no more religious division. Just one religion for all humanity under one God? Isn’t that the one fold and one shepherd Christ taught?

Yes, and as a Catholic I would say that one fold was intended by Christ to be the Catholic Church he founded.

 

[worldcitizen]

Man wants to do his own will, and doesn’t want to be told what he can and can’t do, everything obeys God except… Man and the Devil.

So then is there any hope for us Joey?

 

[worldcitizen]

I wouldn’t characterize doing our part and living the Gospel as faithfully as we can as "passively watching the world destroy itself.’’ In the end though, this world wasn’t meant to last. The Bible makes that clear. Christians believe that at the Last Judgment, Christ will come and make all things new. Then God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more.” (Revelation 21:4)

But until then, there’s not going to be a total and lasting peace on this earth. It’s not possible. Not while human beings have free will. Doesn’t mean we roll over and do nothing. Just means we don’t place our hope in this life.

No. That’s why I said we all need to repent and become more humble.

Yes, spreading hatred is evil.

By finding where we agree and working from there.

Muslims, Christians and Jews believe mutually exclusive things about who God is and what he wants for us, that’s why there is separation.

We shouldn’t encourage hate, but the truth also matters. There can’t be any real peace like you want without it. We don’t have to demonize each other, but we also can’t pretend there are no serious differences in our beliefs. That’s just patronizing to all the parties involved.

Yes, and as a Catholic I would say that one fold was intended by Christ to be the Catholic Church he founded.

You really give a lot of insight and reality and truth and understanding that there are obstacles but we can work together and I hope and pray there are millions more out there with your attitude because I see the extremist views on either side very destructive and concerning.

What if, making all things new will involve us coming together to make them new with Jesus only giving us the guidance? I want to see a new world desperately. I’m tired of these silly hatreds over basically nothing.

To me I believe already in Jesus and already accept you so I have no problems but God is someone we all could unite around as we all don’t understand Him fully even the Muslims.
I’m happy to pray in a Catholic Church and see Catholics as holding a great hope for the future.

So lasting peace is not possible? What about in Isaiah when it says things like they shall not war anymore? Doesn’t this indicate that there will be no more war?

Isaiah 2:4

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

 

[Techno2000]

So then is there any hope for us Joey?

Virtue vs Vice… what will win in the end… I don’t really know, remember Jesus asked the question… will he find Faith at the end of the world.

**now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:8**

 

[Techno2000]

But until then, there’s not going to be a total and lasting peace on this earth. It’s not possible. Not while human beings have free will. Doesn’t mean we roll over and do nothing.** Just means we don’t place our hope in this life.
**

 

[fhansen]

Hi Friends,

In the last century or so there’s been a rise in fundamentalism accompanied by a mass rejection of the traditional notions of God.

With the technological age dawning, and with man being ever so better educated to read and investigate truth for himself, questions have arisen about the usefulness and concepts of religion in our age.

This crass materialism has now spread throughout the word and it threatens the survival of religion itself. Materialism, capitalism and consumerism are seen as the new saviours and gods and have established a religion of ungodliness throughout the world unparalleled in human history.

Alarming as the new age has been to the deeply religious, many have joined in groups of fundamentalists seeking to bring back ‘the good old days’ when religion was part of every man’s life and godliness was the bread and butter of society. Some elements of fundamentalism believe that we need to go ‘back to the basics’. While others say it’s a war of God vs the devil of materialism and ungodliness which they see sprung from the west and being a direct threat to God. So fanatics arise to establish a Holy World Order to replace the wests’s material order.

Has humanity really strayed from ‘true religion’? Or has it rejected what the mind can no longer accept? Has humanity out worn the shibboleths we have relied on for centuries and will only accept faith based upon reason?

Has science destroyed the idols we have been so fond of for centuries?

Has humanity rejected the old ways and embarked on a new SEARCH FOR GOD???

I think it has and humanity now is looking for practical solutions from religion not just esoteric experiences. People expect a better world from religion not just passive beliefs which it seems to view as useless and of no value anymore.

What kinds of things is humanity rejecting about religion and what will turn man back to God? A forced Jihad? or the return of Christ ? or maybe a completely, new paradigm of religion never thought of before?

We need peace, a better life and human rights for all. If all religion can do is fight each other for supremacy will humanity discard it altogether?

How can we bring humanity back to God?

Pride, feelings of relative security, and affluence all conspire to turn man towards himself and away from God. We’ve had much of each of these, especially in parts of the western world. Science/knowledge are only used as excuses; we know no more now than before in terms of any knowledge that should oppose belief in God. The point is that man will always tend towards preferring himself to God, as Adam did, if he thinks he can get away with it. At least until he gains the wisdom and humility to do otherwise.

 

[worldcitizen]

Pride, feelings of relative security, and affluence all conspire to turn man towards himself and away from God. We’ve had much of each of these, especially in parts of the western world. Science/knowledge are only used as excuses; we know no more now than before in terms of any knowledge that should oppose belief in God. The point is that man will always tend towards preferring himself to God, as Adam did, if he thinks he can get away with it. At least until he gains the wisdom and humility to do otherwise.

When do we learn this humility and how?

So much pride out there. It’s so simple to just accept everyone as a brother and love them.

Why is such a simple thing so hard to understand? Why killing and wars and to see people cry, babies killed? I can’t understand this madness and what drives it because in the end we go 6 foot under so what’s there worth fighting for that we won’t lose when we die?

 

[worldcitizen]

Virtue vs Vice… what will win in the end… I don’t really know, remember Jesus asked the question… will he find Faith at the end of the world.

now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?"I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:8

No just ungodliness but how’s it all going to be fixed? Are we going to have to have a Third World War?

 

[Techno2000]

Are we going to have to have a Third World War?

Maybe that is what this verse is about… Nuclear annihilation of the world unless God steps in ?

**"If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:22 **

 

[worldcitizen]

Maybe that is what this verse is about… Nuclear annihilation of the world unless God steps in ?

**"If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:22 **

Two world wars and still we haven’t learnt!! What will it take?

 

[Servant19]

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Education is the only hope. Not education to become rich with money. Not education to see yourself as having claim over Truth. Education that enables you to change the world SUSTAINABLY.

Hanan al Hroub, and Pope Francis agree:

youtu.be/MzC4EQqtC_k

.