The Political Legacies of Religions
Monotheistic religions, civil rights and democracy: a cross-country perspective
Note: This post is quite long and at times technical, but the most important conclusions can be inferred by reading the introductory paragraphs as well as the conclusion.
During the period in the wake of the cold war the world has witnessed a resurgence of religions and religiosity. Apparently we are experiencing a global spiritual awakening, which entails new lines of quarrel and conflict. Whatever drives this enigmatic rise in the need for otherworldly truths or celestial bliss is difficult to explain, but from a purely theoretical and philosophical point of view, one could surmise that the unprecedented economic growth and social dislocations of the 1990es had produced a demand for “historicist ideologies”. I believe that Karl Popper was on to something important when he observed that periods marked by great change, often were followed by a rise in ideologies that deprive individuals of their responsibility for their own lives, and replaces it with myths of destinies beyond the control of human beings.
In my opinion, during periods of rapid and comprehensive change, religions often offer a convenient sense of truth, meaning and stability, and often a reassuring perception that powers greater than yourself control your fate. All of this is pure guesswork of course, mere incipient ruminations on a subject I have only scarce experience with or knowledge of. (more…)
