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Parliament of the World's Religions

The Future of Religions

Friday - 3 Dec 1999
Cape Town , Western Cape - South Africa


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By Dr. L. M. Singhvi

Dr. Singhvi’s major premise was that we are living in an increasingly secular world and that religions will have to evolve to stay compatible with the people they hope to serve.

People want to think about God. They want a spiritual component to their lives. At the same time they have become more worldly. They know the world is not flat and that people who follow other faiths are not 3 headed monsters.




Pluralism

In addition, many people are beginning to understand that their spiritual tradition may not be the only access to divinity. And that even if there is only one god, perhaps s/he has many names or incarnations.

A religion that professes to be the "only" way with absolute dogma will surely fail. A sophisticated populace cannot be kept in a box.

Pluralism is also increasing. Many major metropolitan cities are now the home to numerous faiths and houses of worship. This exposure for the general populace is leading more and more people to explore and understand what other religions are all about. This has lead to a mixing of faiths.




Inclusiveness

For example, a traditional Christian takes a yoga class and is introduced to mindfulness of the breath, a major Buddhist focus. This could lead to an exploration and appreciation of other Buddhist concepts.

If their Christian community has "zero tolerance", this person could end up feeling unwelcome. In the end they could lose the affinity for their tradition house of worship. On the other hand, if their religious community has some flexibility, it could well be that this person would remain a Christian with Buddhist sympathies.

Dr. Singhvi concludes that religions which do not evolve and show some flexibility will lose their following. Religions need to be more inclusive than exclusive.



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Cape Technicon
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Wishes for the Millennium
  Wylie and Helene - List of Journals
  Parliament of the World's Religions - Intro Average Rating of 8 Viewers
Chapters of Parliament of the World's Religions
  Preparations are Made
  The Delegates Arrive
  Sight Seeing
  AIDS Memorial Quilt Ceremony
  Opening Procession
  District Six Ceremony
  Opening Plenary
  Shumei Taiko Drum Ensemble
  Transformation through Diversity
  Cape Technicon
  The Future of Religions
  Wishes for the Millennium
  Zulu Dancers
  Living on the Edge of Evolution
  Non-Violence Towards Animals
  Jihad and Human Rights
  Nelson Mandela Addresses the Parliament
  Earth Spirit of Africa
  Greenland's Gift to the World
  A Sample of Other Presentations
  Bible Translation in the Congo
  Spirit in Art Galley
  More Wishes for the Millennium
  Closing Plenary with the Dalai Lama

       

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