The impact of immigration on religion in the context of globalization
Everyone realizes that contemporary society is in a permanent state of renewal and transformation.
The phenomenon of globalization was discussed over and over in the past few decades, even though thoughts on it can differ from one another. Some see it as something the world should welcome it with open arms while others deem it harmful for their society and culture as a whole, regarding it with fear and distrust.
The root of this fear is planted deep within the soil of interaction. With the clash of so many different cultures, religions, perspectives and views there is a permanent risk of conflicting ideas.
Freedom of speech and expression of one’s own rites and rituals can lead to dire consequences, since religion is a more delicate matter than politics for example (greater fervor being involved in the matter).
In Romania there are few cases of immigrants that decide to settle down. It’s more like a transitory country for them, a “gateway to Western Europe” as it was often referred to along time.
Romanians or any orthodox Christian for that matter hasn’t had many problems outside the country thanks to capable religious administrations and government, they being given places of worship for temporary or permanent use.
In Romania the ethnical mix and that of religious groups is quite big (even more so in the south-eastern part of the country) but no serious conflicts have come to pass. Faith in a higher power is definitely something that brings religious people together and helps toward a better coexistence, but as much as it is a uniting link, the many differences in rite is the thing that sets everyone apart.
Every religious man is taught that their way is the right and as such, each tries to convert the other to their own religion, the problem of conversion is again a very delicate one (like not letting one openly practice their religion, as mentioned before) since many are not willing to convert and the reactions can be even violent, feeling offended.
Europe is divided into 3 main religious groups: the Catholics, the Protestants and the Orthodox, with many neo-protestant groups and sects trying to gain new members, with the adding of religions brought by immigrants, some consider it already too much and are suspicious that the new religions might want to spread more than “allowed” by certain countries.( Switzerland is such an example, banning outright the immigration of Turks into their country). One’s religion should be treated with respect and as God (or Allah) gave us free will we can choose if we wish to embrace a new religion if offered or politely refuse. The philosopher Platon affirms that “there is only one truth” and until this one truth is unearthed. We might as well respect each other’s faith and not look down upon them, even if we might consider them misled. If religion teaches us some things, then those should be at least PATIENCE and TOLERANCE.
As for the states regarding foreign religions as dangerous, their fears are bred by misconception and misinformation, even exaggerated stereotypes. A better understanding of these “foreign” religions is the solution to the anxiety looming over us.
Only when we have a better understanding of each other will we make steps towards a better integration.
Priest and teacher Nechita Florian
Article translated by Patrick Bohony
Everyone realizes that contemporary society is in a permanent state of renewal and transformation.
The phenomenon of globalization was discussed over and over in the past few decades, even though thoughts on it can differ from one another. Some see it as something the world should welcome it with open arms while others deem it harmful for their society and culture as a whole, regarding it with fear and distrust.
The root of this fear is planted deep within the soil of interaction. With the clash of so many different cultures, religions, perspectives and views there is a permanent risk of conflicting ideas.
Freedom of speech and expression of one’s own rites and rituals can lead to dire consequences, since religion is a more delicate matter than politics for example (greater fervor being involved in the matter).
In Romania there are few cases of immigrants that decide to settle down. It’s more like a transitory country for them, a “gateway to Western Europe” as it was often referred to along time.
Romanians or any orthodox Christian for that matter hasn’t had many problems outside the country thanks to capable religious administrations and government, they being given places of worship for temporary or permanent use.
In Romania the ethnical mix and that of religious groups is quite big (even more so in the south-eastern part of the country) but no serious conflicts have come to pass. Faith in a higher power is definitely something that brings religious people together and helps toward a better coexistence, but as much as it is a uniting link, the many differences in rite is the thing that sets everyone apart.
Every religious man is taught that their way is the right and as such, each tries to convert the other to their own religion, the problem of conversion is again a very delicate one (like not letting one openly practice their religion, as mentioned before) since many are not willing to convert and the reactions can be even violent, feeling offended.
Europe is divided into 3 main religious groups: the Catholics, the Protestants and the Orthodox, with many neo-protestant groups and sects trying to gain new members, with the adding of religions brought by immigrants, some consider it already too much and are suspicious that the new religions might want to spread more than “allowed” by certain countries.( Switzerland is such an example, banning outright the immigration of Turks into their country). One’s religion should be treated with respect and as God (or Allah) gave us free will we can choose if we wish to embrace a new religion if offered or politely refuse. The philosopher Platon affirms that “there is only one truth” and until this one truth is unearthed. We might as well respect each other’s faith and not look down upon them, even if we might consider them misled. If religion teaches us some things, then those should be at least PATIENCE and TOLERANCE.
As for the states regarding foreign religions as dangerous, their fears are bred by misconception and misinformation, even exaggerated stereotypes. A better understanding of these “foreign” religions is the solution to the anxiety looming over us.
Only when we have a better understanding of each other will we make steps towards a better integration.
Priest and teacher Nechita Florian
Article translated by Patrick Bohony
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