The shifting plains of belief

Globally, the world's religious composition is changing rapidly

It has been observed by many of my readers that religion is, among other things, a social construct designed by the powerful to maintain their power. This is quite accurate.¹ Religion is a product designed to be a ready-made package that simplifies life’s vastly complex and often scary questions. Why are we here and what does it mean are answered in simple, concrete terms, and the answers generally leave no room for alternate facts. Most religions teach obedience to divine authority, and more importantly, they identify human vessels who speak on behalf of the deity.

In the past and in the present, religions have played a major role in societal outcomes. Many religions have come and gone. Many are completely forgotten, and their gods are fated to have no worshippers. Religion still has a major impact on the global stage, and the world’s religious landscape is shifting fast. That matters all of us who care about what the future of humanity looks like should be paying attention.