There are many ways in which religion struggles to stay current. Based on outdated scripture and stories from thousands of years ago, religion doesn’t keep up with a progressive society. Here are 17 things that would be a good idea for modern religions to think about changing.
Gender Equality Must Be Honoured
In recent decades, society has progressed dramatically to support gender equality. However, a lot of religious institutions are based on patriarchal structures and don’t reflect the changes of the modern world. Gender equality needs to be embraced in senior leadership roles in religion as well as in interpretations of religious texts.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Needs To Happen
Sexuality and gender identity are often controversial topics in religious environments. The National Library of Medicine found that religious affiliation and having negative opinions of LGBTQIA+ individuals often go hand in hand. Religion needs to be more inclusive in a society that no longer sticks to traditional gender roles or sexualities.
Scientific Discoveries Need To Be Accepted
There is a lot of scientific evidence that the teachings of the Bible simply don’t align with. Although it is hard to deny scientific proof, a lot of religious believers reject discoveries because they conflict with some Bible verses. Religions need to acknowledge science and use it to support scripture.
Social Justice Causes Should Be Supported
Religious scripture teaches about the importance of helping less fortunate people, yet many religions turn a blind eye to social injustice. Actively engaging with social injustice aligns with religious values of compassion. Poverty, racism, and inequality are just a few issues that religions could support better.
Interfaith Dialogue Needs To Be Encouraged
With over 4000 recognized religions worldwide, many stories and teachings are conflicting. However, rather than rejecting the values of other religions, interfaith dialogue needs to be nurtured as BBC says a lot of religions share the same ideas. All religions can benefit from comparing and debating scripture and teachings, as it would encourage understanding, tolerance, and peace.
Sustainability Should Be Addressed
Considering that we are living in a world created by the religious leaders we worship, there is surprisingly little discussion about sustainability within religion. The importance of eco-friendly practices needs to be incorporated into religious teachings to address the urgent need for sustainability.
Critical Thinking Should Be Supported
In most religions, it is often seen as disrespectful to question and doubt scripture. However, in the modern world, there is more room for alternative interpretations, and critical thinking is generally encouraged. Religious texts may not be as black and white as they appear and questioning religion can lead to spiritual growth.
Sexual And Reproductive Rights Must Be Restructured
Opinions on sexual and reproductive rights vary from religion to religion, but there is a need for them to be restructured in modern society. Every life is a blessing and that includes reproduction supported by science. However, the University of Oxford found that religion plays a huge role in preventing fertility treatments as some believe they don’t align with certain interpretations.
Mental Health Support Needs To Be Increased
In today’s society, we are more aware of mental health issues and more accepting of support for our wellbeing. Yet, support and resources for mental health issues within religions are extremely limited. There is still a stigma attached to mental health struggles within many religious communities.
Ethical Business Practices Should Be Considered
Religious institutions and their associated businesses need to act with integrity and work ethically. Religion should advocate for ethical business practices but ethical issues are often ignored if it benefits those in power.
Sexual Relations Before Marriage Should Be Allowed
Times have changed since the Bible was written and attitudes on sex before marriage should reflect this. While religion promotes abstinence before marriage, the Bible never explicitly says that you shouldn’t have sex before marriage. Plus, the definition of marriage we understand today is very different from unions in Biblical times.
Religious Fluidity Should Be Supported
Many religions are not overly supportive of changing religions but modern religion should consider supporting greater fluidity. Experiencing all sides and versions of religion is a great way to nurture spiritual growth. It also shows that you’re serious about understanding and developing your faith rather than taking your assigned religion at face value.
Religious Texts Shouldn’t Be Taken Literally
A lot of religious texts are taken literally but when these words and verses were written thousands of years ago, how do we know that their interpretation should be taken literally? Scripture was written by storytellers to inspire religious teachings, so there was room for a little artistic license in the narrative.
Controversial Verses Should Be Addressed By The Bible
As society moves on, controversy often arises from past events and opinions. This includes verses of the Bible and other religious texts that today would be deemed controversial. Society understands that times were very different when verses were written, but rather than addressing them head-on, religion ignores these controversial passages.
The Opinions On Tithing Need To Change
Tithing is a huge part of being a member of the Church and money experts at Ramsey Solutions say that you should continue to tithe, even when paying off debt. Many Churches look down upon those who don’t contribute, but with poverty and a cost of living crisis, it should be more important to tackle your personal finances before giving to religious institutions.
New Revelations And Teachings Should Be Introduced
Religious texts should be re-evaluated and interpreted to discover new revelations that support modern society. Too many religious teachings are rooted in history and have little relevance today. New spiritual insight is needed to guide us in the modern world and scripture needs to be looked at with fresh eyes.
Church Attendance Shouldn’t Be Pushed As Hard
While religion teaches the importance of worshiping in the community, it never states that this should be done in a Church setting. Religion needs to adapt to the modern world and support alternative religious communities, such as online services and private worship.
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