THE RESURGENCE OF RELIGION IN THE MODERN WORLD
Are we witnessing a resurgence of religion, with gospel speakers forming a microcosm of trends around topics such as AI, sustainability, health care, and spirituality?
In today's world, we see the rise of figures who, much like preachers, deliver sweeping messages about what they perceive as the greater good. These individuals can capture vast audiences in ways that echo the historical spread of religion across societies.
This trend appears through books, podcasts, talks, and lectures. With a smaller, more connected, and more accessible world, and vastly larger audiences, it raises the question: are we, in some sense, witnessing the rise of religion within popular culture?
Perhaps this is linked to the uncertainty of our time: with the rise of AI, business leaders beginning to resemble oligarchs, a widening divide between what people want and what governments choose to do, leaving the public’s voice less accountable to those in power, and new forms of control appearing under the guise of consumerism and safety. In such moments of uncertainty, is it any wonder that many of us look toward the idea of a higher power for hope and guidance, as if it might help us make sense of the world and ease the burden that everything rests on our own actions?
Perhaps it even feels more comforting to imagine that someone, or something else, is in control, rather than accepting that our own actions directly shape the outcome of our existence.
As individuals, we each live within our own worlds. Yet these worlds overlap and collide with countless others, often shaped and amplified by algorithms created by tech companies. We may be moving into an era where human connection becomes central to survival. But have we begun to lose the ability to connect, to empathise, to be present, to experience, and to accept one another despite our differences?
Maybe, after all, we are not as different as we initially think.
Perhaps it's wise to remain critical and experimental with our thoughts and beliefs.