By comparison with what it was like only half a century ago, human society has evolved very noticeably. This is so not only in the changes in the available technology, but also in interpersonal relations and the greatly increased global spirituality which reflects attitude changes. It would just not have been possible for someone alive at the time of WWII to imagine the scope of these changes.
In fact, spiritual thought is fast becoming mainstream, with even the United Nations getting in on the act and many organizations are advocating a worldwide spiritual rapprochement. When the divisiveness that was paramount until fairly recently in all things spiritual is considered, this can be regarded as a truly remarkable trend, A spirit of togetherness was often advocated in the past, but it was not expected to become so prominent so soon.
Of course, there are still some groups clinging to the old ways. This will probably continue to be so for the majority of established religions, as fundamental changes in established dogma would be required to entrench change. No doubt some fanatics will still be around, convinced there is only one right way, and prepared to go to extremes to support their views. Hopefully, there numbers will become fewer as some means of accommodation is found.
Fanatics serve a useful purpose, in that they highlight how ridiculous such an attitude is, and they thereby end up undermining their own cause. It is not likely, nor desirable that there will ever be complete agreement on anything. While most will grant others the right to their own points of view some, inevitably, will not. This adds to the richness of humanity.
Just as with changes in technological, the pace of spiritual changes has also been breathtaking. The magnitude of incremental changes like these only becomes apparent in retrospect. The real puzzle is to predict with any hope of success what the final outcome of the changes will be. It is possible that future changes will taper off or veer in unexpected directions, but this in itself cannot be predicted.
Judging by what has happened previously, minor necessary changes will suddenly be revealed to have unexpected implications, predictable only in hindsight. With so much happening, this is a momentous period to be living through. With the changing attitudes come corresponding changes in expectations and results.
Not that the who;e population of the planet is participating actively. A handful are setting the pace, and these changes are filtering down so they are acceptable. But even the most reactionary groups have experienced large changes. A whole new status quo then becomes established.
In this respect Muslim fundamentalism could be viewed as a natural but transient reaction to the growth in global spirituality. While its actions are extreme, it is quite likely that they will diminish as they are overtaken by the new world order. There will always be resistance to change, but viewed historically, it very seldom has succeeded. The world has glimpsed the future, and it looks great.
In fact, spiritual thought is fast becoming mainstream, with even the United Nations getting in on the act and many organizations are advocating a worldwide spiritual rapprochement. When the divisiveness that was paramount until fairly recently in all things spiritual is considered, this can be regarded as a truly remarkable trend, A spirit of togetherness was often advocated in the past, but it was not expected to become so prominent so soon.
Of course, there are still some groups clinging to the old ways. This will probably continue to be so for the majority of established religions, as fundamental changes in established dogma would be required to entrench change. No doubt some fanatics will still be around, convinced there is only one right way, and prepared to go to extremes to support their views. Hopefully, there numbers will become fewer as some means of accommodation is found.
Fanatics serve a useful purpose, in that they highlight how ridiculous such an attitude is, and they thereby end up undermining their own cause. It is not likely, nor desirable that there will ever be complete agreement on anything. While most will grant others the right to their own points of view some, inevitably, will not. This adds to the richness of humanity.
Just as with changes in technological, the pace of spiritual changes has also been breathtaking. The magnitude of incremental changes like these only becomes apparent in retrospect. The real puzzle is to predict with any hope of success what the final outcome of the changes will be. It is possible that future changes will taper off or veer in unexpected directions, but this in itself cannot be predicted.
Judging by what has happened previously, minor necessary changes will suddenly be revealed to have unexpected implications, predictable only in hindsight. With so much happening, this is a momentous period to be living through. With the changing attitudes come corresponding changes in expectations and results.
Not that the who;e population of the planet is participating actively. A handful are setting the pace, and these changes are filtering down so they are acceptable. But even the most reactionary groups have experienced large changes. A whole new status quo then becomes established.
In this respect Muslim fundamentalism could be viewed as a natural but transient reaction to the growth in global spirituality. While its actions are extreme, it is quite likely that they will diminish as they are overtaken by the new world order. There will always be resistance to change, but viewed historically, it very seldom has succeeded. The world has glimpsed the future, and it looks great.
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