My religious faith plays a central role in my life. For many of my contemporaries it does not matter at all and if they have a spiritual sense it has more to do with science fiction rather than in the All Holy, All-Powerful and All Mighty. The crisis of unbelief is the biggest problem facing the western world and is the major cause of the economic, political and psychological angst that prevails in our society. What is the ultimate purpose of our lives in this socio-economic system that robs us of our individuality and faith? Millions are lost in the cosmos.....tiny inconsequential specks of atoms in the billions of stars and planets that comprise the Milky Way Galaxy which itself is only one of many billions of other galaxies. For the unbeliever, human beings are biological accidents that started in the pond scum of the primordial past and through Darwinian luck are here today and importantly...still evolving... not much different except for consciousness than many other animal groups. Its survival of the fittest and our society is the outcome of this mindset. Even the ancient pagans had myths and religion to guide their morals and actions.
I am skeptical of grand overarching conspiracy theories that claim that some unseen forces, like the Illuminati, far above us in society, are programming our lives through media, education, politics, etc. However, I am agnostic on the issue rather than a denier. It is easy to fall into this type of thinking due to the prevalence of evil all around us. However, from what I know of management and trying to get things done in a large organizations, a grand conspiracy that is controlling society is not feasible - mediocrity is too common and self interest trumps collective action in many cases stretching over long periods of time. But, I do believe in less grand conspiracies that are entirely plausible such as the JFK, MLK and RFK assassinations, overthrow of the English Catholic religion, the French Revolution, weapons of mass destruction, etc.
It is not a conspiracy but a spiritual mindset or disposition that impels human beings in similar paths of action. Unbelievers only connect in the here and now and what they can see and touch. The metaphysical realms for them are fairy tales such as Hans and Gretel or 1001 Arabian nights and should not even be discussed in normal company. A certain percentage of these people are not only disdainful of religion but also actively work to minimize its influence in society. As my mother used to tell me, "birds of a feather, flock together." They view the Ten Commandments as useless restrictions to the human (evil) spirit and hence pursue agendas that are contrary to the spirit of Christianity.
It doesn't take many of these unbelievers with a committed mindset to start to change the culture. It has been going on for hundreds of years now and in the past decades has reached a tipping point. The former Christian civilization of our forefathers is barely recognizable as the forces of unbelief have gained ascendancy in the last century. The 'overt' war against religion is only beginning and with power in hand I would expect that believers will be be pressured in many ways to compromise their beliefs and persecuted in many little ways if they resist. The Catholic recusants in England after the Reformation are a good example of Christian life in the near future. The only way to reverse this trend is to preach the Gospel and convert the world that the mass of society becomes Christian once more.
There is an old Catholic hymn, Holy God We Praise Thy Name, that was very popular before the guitar strumming tunes became more fashionable in church. Having faith in the all Holy One allows the Christian to have hope and confidence. This world as great and glorious as it is is passing and an entire new existence awaits us once we cross the river of eternity. God is all around us....we only have to open our eyes with the lens of faith. A good article below of the wonders of the cosmos......which was also praised 3,000 years ago by King David in Psalm 103.
Billions of Stars in The Milky Way Galaxy
Psalm 103
Benedic, anima. God is to be praised for his mighty works, and wonderful providence.
[1] For David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, thou art exceedingly great. Thou hast put on praise and beauty: [2] And art clothed with light as with a garment. Who stretchest out the heaven like a pavilion: [3] Who coverest the higher rooms thereof with water. Who makest the clouds thy chariot: who walkest upon the wings of the winds. [4] Who makest thy angels spirits: and thy ministers a burning fire. [5] Who hast founded the earth upon its own bases: it shall not be moved for ever and ever.
[6] The deep like a garment is its clothing: above the mountains shall the waters stand. [7] At thy rebuke they shall flee: at the voice of thy thunder they shall fear. [8] The mountains ascend, and the plains descend into the place which thou hast founded for them. [9] Thou hast set a bound which they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. [10] Thou sendest forth springs in the vales: between the midst of the hills the waters shall pass.
[11] All the beasts of the field shall drink: the wild asses shall expect in their thirst. [12] Over them the birds of the air shall dwell: from the midst of the rocks they shall give forth their voices. [13] Thou waterest the hills from thy upper rooms: the earth shall be filled with the fruit of thy works: [14] Bringing forth grass for cattle, and herb for the service of men. That thou mayst bring bread out of the earth: [15] And that wine may cheer the heart of man. That he may make the face cheerful with oil: and that bread may strengthen man's heart.
[16] The trees of the field shall be filled, and the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted: [17] There the sparrows shall make their nests. The highest of them is the house of the heron. [18] The high hills are a refuge for the harts, the rock for the irchins. [19] He hath made the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. [20] Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about:
[21] The young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their meat from God. [22] The sun ariseth, and they are gathered together: and they shall lie down in their dens. [23] Man shall go forth to his work, and to his labour until the evening. [24] How great are thy works, O Lord? thou hast made all things in wisdom: the earth is filled with thy riches. [Psalms 103:24] [Latin] [25] So is this great sea, which stretcheth wide its arms: there are creeping things without number: Creatures little and great.
[26] There the ships shall go. This sea dragon which thou hast formed to play therein. [27] All expect of thee that thou give them food in season. [28] What thou givest to them they shall gather up: when thou openest thy hand, they shall all be filled with good. [29] But if thou turnest away thy face, they shall be troubled: thou shalt take away their breath, and they shall fail, and shall return to their dust. [30] Thou shalt send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created: and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
[31] May the glory of the Lord endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. [32] He looketh upon the earth, and maketh it tremble: he toucheth the mountains, and they smoke. [33] I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. [34] Let my speech be acceptable to him: but I will take delight in the Lord. [35] Let sinners be consumed out of the earth, and the unjust, so that they be no more: O my soul, bless thou the Lord.
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