In part 2 of my blog on power dimensions and danger zones, I changed the label of the y-axis to Liberalism / Secularism. That felt more appropriate than the label “No Religion”. Subsequently, it occurred to me that both concepts appear to have a strong correlation, especially today. That correlation deals with individual / personal freedom. Why?
The primary focus of Liberalism has been changing over time. Yet, its core concept is always about freedom (ie, Liber). Some 2,000 years ago, Liberalism was already a philosophical notion that humans (as a group) should be free from having a master or an owner. That ancient Greek (Western) concept did however not yet apply to slaves.
Liberalism had a 2nd wave around the Industrial Revolution (1760 – 1820/1840), which was the 1st wave of the Technological Revolution of 1800-2100 (my blogs). Its focus was on the freedom of (economic and financial) markets as opposed to (state) monopolies. This 2nd wave of (Western) Liberalism resulted in Capitalism and Globalism.
Currently, there is a 3rd wave of (Western) Liberalism which is about the individual human right of freedom rather than the group right of some 2,000 years ago. To some extent, it’s about the right to be what and/or who you are and when. Former exceptions become (legal) minorities and challenge the right of majorities to restrict their available (legal) choices.
Religion is under (severe) pressure in Western countries, like Netherlands and UK (eg, CT, Dutch News, Times). This development is labelled Secularism. This current pressure may also relate to the (international) tensions caused by the Political Islam (my blogs).
It’s important to separate Faith from Religion. Faith is an individual right and choice and fits in the concept of Liberalism. Nowadays, questions about Religion often incorporate the default answer: “Own interpretation”. This answer shows the difference between Faith and Religion. Sometimes, it is labelled as Omnism or even All-theism.
Religion is a man-made institute in the Power domain of the 7 Belief systems. It has caused many (military) frictions over the past 2,000 years. Religion is dogmatic and wants you to believe that their God is the only God. This view would result in various Supreme Beings which makes no logical sense. Hence, Mahatma Gandhi once stated: “God has no Religion“.
Several people have predicted the end of Religion (eg, Big Think). In my view, they confuse Faith and Religion. There will always be new religions as a result of the deeply ingrained human Faith in a Supreme Being, whether Allah, God, or Yahweh (eg, Aeon). Scientists have never found any culture on this planet without traces of religious worship (eg, Nature, WaPo).
At some future point, my concept of the 7 Belief systems will need an update. Science in the Knowledge domain will become Technology in the Power domain. Religion in the Power domain will re-emerge as Faith in the Knowledge domain. Liberalism (freedom) appears to be driving this.
Freedom (2015) by Pharrell Williams
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise.
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