IRRELIGION - A NEW NORMAL IN GLOBAL NORTH - CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The phenomenon of irreligion, characterized by religious distancing and disaffiliation, is indeed a complex and multifaceted issue reshaping societies, especially in the Global North. Religious disaffiliation continues to thrive in communist countries and Japan in the Global South. As traditional religious institutions face declining attendance and revenues, there is a pressing need for in-depth investigation by political and social scientists to understand disaffiliation’s profound impact on human progression and even regression.

Is Irreligion a New Normal in the Global North and some parts of the Global South? Voluminous data and surveys point in that direction. Irreligion is becoming more common in post-Christianity in the West, suggesting a changing norm. A social scientist notes that Christianity has been the default option for Americans, and Irreligion could be the new Default option in the future of America and most of the West. Interestingly, education seems inversely related to religiosity, a concept noted by Max Weber that raises a question: Is Higher Education Driving Irreligion?

Cyclicality, a common occurrence in every facet of human life and evolution, does not spare Religion, which has existed for over four millennia. Religiosity is at its trough, and Irreligion has many causes and effects; a few are listed in Annexure 1 below. Some nations, particularly communist ones, have de-emphasized Religion without significant social or moral consequences. Instead, shifts in moral values are linked to economic and technological progress. Lack of correlation (Religion and moral compass) raises questions about the necessity of Religion, faith, and God in human life. The impact of irreligion on human society is a deep interest for political and social scientists.

Shifting towards irreligion is particularly noticeable among the younger generation below 45, indicating a soon-coming, significant generational shift in religiosity. This trend challenges the long-held notion of Religion as necessary for societal cohesion and a moral compass component. Interestingly, this decline in religiosity is not universal, with exceptions like China, where long periods of religious deprivation have paradoxically triggered a rise in religiosity. Certain events, like the 9/11 attack, have bolstered faith, while crises such as the Covid pandemic have had a negative impact. Paradoxically, social scientists observe higher religiosity in societies with greater inequality. These complexities highlight the multifaceted nature of the relationship between Religion and culture.

Evolutionary changes in demographics indeed carry both Upsides and Downsides, contingent on the interests and narratives of the engaged social and political groups. The perception of irreligion varies greatly. Theologians and religious leaders often interpret it as a metaphysical crisis, signaling a decline in the moral compass and usually referring to scriptures to explain this phenomenon. On the other hand, sociologists and anthropologists may view Irreligion as a natural part of human evolution, a shift in societal paradigms.

Both belief and Disbelief in Religion and God have ancient origins. Disbelief is not a modern trend and is rooted in philosophies from antiquity. One of the intriguing aspects of irreligion is its non-dogmatic nature, with agnostics and the disaffiliated often engaging in occasional religious activities. Exploring the social and psychological factors behind these temple and church visits can provide valuable insights into the evolving relationship between individuals and religious institutions. Their findings can open up a window of hope for the declining religious institution. If Disaffilliation is a crisis, it is better to go by the wisdom of Winston Churchill, “Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste.” Disaffiliation is an excellent opportunity worth harnessing for institutional Religion.

Crisis as a Catalyst for Change:

Any crisis prompts introspection, urging leaders and institutions to reconsider the approaches and explore more inclusive practices. This fosters understanding and tolerance among diverse belief systems. In the face of this growing irreligiosity, there is an opportunity for institutional religions to adapt and repurpose themselves. Religion has historically provided moral guidance and ethical values, and during times of crisis, people often turn to Religion as a coping mechanism. Hence, religious institutions can explore new ways to remain relevant and offer solace to those in need, leveraging the changing religious and spiritual landscape as an opportunity for introspection and adaptation.

Repurpose, Reimagine, and Reposition the Religion (RRR):

Irreligion challenges the traditional narrative that Religion is indispensable for moral guidance and ethical values. However, this challenge also allows institutional religions to redefine their roles. Worship and Prayer, throughout history, have been a coping mechanism during crises. This aspect can be emphasized, showcasing faith as a source of solace during difficult times. Additionally, religious institutions can expand their roles beyond traditional boundaries. Acknowledging these complexities and nuances is crucial for policymakers and leaders in Institutional Religion. What they need is a RRR Strategy to remain relevant in the changing social fabric.

Latent Spiritual Hunger

Totalitarian and socialist governments believed people could find meaning and purpose outside traditional religious frameworks and never encouraged religiosity. However, the rising religiosity in some of their nations suggests a more profound spiritual hunger that existed. This evidence validates the need for the three Rs strategy for the Institutional Religion to embrace for survival.

R: Repurposing Religion involves finding new purpose beyond traditional boundaries, such as contemporizing the doctrine with universality in its values and beliefs, eliminating ritualistic dogmas, and focusing on current life rather than on the afterlife and Heaven.

R: Reimagining Religion encourages creative exploration of spiritual practices, spiritual freedom, and spiritual spaces beyond institutions, which are more inclusive and relevant in advancing technology and global mobility.

R: Repositioning refers to changing the perception, image, or positioning of something in people's minds. It involves altering how the public perceives religious institutions by promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, interfaith dialogue, and better aligning with contemporary values and concerns.

By embracing these strategies as a catalyst for redefining their roles and fostering inclusivity, religious institutions can navigate this evolving landscape successfully and contain disaffiliation. Disaffiliation is a natural evolution process that can't be stopped. Still, Institutional Religion can prevent this for their survival, survival of faith, and continuing to offer spiritual solace, which has the highest therapeutic value for the suffering and the grieving.

Disclaimer: This concept note delves into the phenomenon of irreligion and proposes strategies for institutional adaptation, which are neither exclusive nor exhaustive. Further comprehensive studies and exploration are required to fully understand and implement the proposed remedies.

References:

1. Religion, What it is, How it works, and why it matters. Smith, Christian.

2. The Rise of the Nones. James Emery White

3. The Nones, Where they come from. Ryan P Burge

Annexure 1:

IRRELIGION - CAUSES, EFFECTS, UPSIDES AND DOWNSIDES: