Why Are Religion and the World So Often at Odds?
Why do religion and the world clash so often? Türkiye/Cappadocia December 14, 2025 Ibrahim Selvi At first glance, religion and the world must be profoundly reconciled. Most religious traditions—especially the Abrahamic religions—emphasize stewardship, justice, compassion, work, beauty, and responsibility in earthly life. The world is not depicted as meaningless; rather, it is often described as a trust, a test, or a realm where moral action gains value. In practice, however, many believers seem alienated from the world. They speak of the world with suspicion, even sometimes contempt. The world is described as corrupt, deceptive, or morally dangerous. This tension raises a fundamental question: If religion is inherently compatible with life on earth, why do so many religious communities feel alienated from it? Theological Origins and Historical Experience It must be clearly stated that the theology of religion and the history of religious communities are not the same th...
