#5. Resurgent Religion
Imagine no religion. It appears that many people can’t. Education, science and technology are supposed to be making religion redundant but it appears that the opposite is the case. When times are complex and confusing religion offers people hope alongside universal truth. Indeed, when life becomes a struggle economically, or uncertain environmentally, religion offers an easy to understand view of why things are as they are and how they will eventually work out.

Clearly the growth of fundamentalism is one aspect of this but religion is enjoying resurgence across the board, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Part of the reason for this is globalization. Religious beliefs now move around more freely. Similarly, urbanization and social media are bringing people and ideas closer together.

Implications
Expect to see a resurgence in traditional practices, rituals and beliefs, including pilgrimages. Also expect to see rise in spiritualism and an interest in the afterlife (much of it linked to societal ageing). Finally, expect continued sectarian violence in some regions.

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PS:  Trends update. I can’t decide whether ‘Age of Rage’ should be one of my 10 trends for 2011. I had ‘fear & loathing’ as a top 10 trend for 2010 and I’ve got ‘discontent’ as a trend for 2011 (see previous 2011 trends post).  To some extent I think I’m over-reacting about current events and extrapolating too soon – but I’m not sure.