Posted by: Morshed Abul Ala on: February 25, 2008
According to IPSOS data released on April 20, 2004 the “No Religion” group in Canada has grown from 12% to 16% in twelve years. They constitute the second largest group after Catholics. Prior to 1971 this population was less than 1%. In 2001 this group was just under 4.8 million.
Attendance at religious services has faced a dramatic decrease over the past 15 years. Nationally, 20% of individuals 15 and over attended religious services on a weekly basis in 2001 this number has decreased compared to 1986 when 28% of the population used to attend religious services. In Canada 38% never attend a religious service.
These numbers are quite striking yet not shocking. In our everyday dealings we come across individuals who are not sure whether they want to follow a religion, who are not confident in their religion, who don’t have the time to think about religion.
Three factors lead to this rise of “No Religion”.
1. Ignorance
People are simply not aware how religion plays an active role in keeping our society peaceful. The massacres, oppression, aggression we see around us is due to lack of religiosity of modern individuals because without religion there is nothing to hold a person accountable for his/her deeds. The masses are so engulfed in materialism that they don’t get the time to know about other ways of life.
2. It isn’t KOOL any more
The religious community has failed to compete with the popular culture of consumerism and moral laxity. They have not mastered the effectiveness of media. They have failed to make religion appealing to the masses.
3. Religious Atheists
Majority of those who claim to be followers of a religion has failed to demonstrate their true religiosity mainly due to the ignorant following of forefathers and also, due to the fanaticism in most religions out there.
In order to bring back religion to its proper status the religious community needs to increase dialogue with the masses in a language they understand. They need to present it in a way that is most appealing to the mind and senses. They need to live their religion in its fullest. The quranic guideline “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching” (Quran 16:125) reminds us of just that.
