http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Logo_250X250.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Background_1024X576.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Banner_686X60.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Half-Banner_234X60.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Logo_250X250 http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Logo-Watermark_250X250.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Background_1024X576.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Half-Banner-ALT_234X60.jpg Bigthink http://www.bigthink.com/feed/rss/comment/idea/2045 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:18:50 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/2045 Fascinating question! In my view it is Religion. It seems to be at the root of too much that is going on worldwide. My attempt is to be non-judgmental and merely observe. The advanced economies are showing signs of right wing inflexibility - the US is seeing resurgence of evangelical fervor. It demands a 'binary' state of views - pro life or pro choice, heterosexual or gay, Jeffersonian democracy or totalitarian - all somehow informed by Religion. The emerging economies mirror the same trends. India is showing clear signs of intolerance in Gujarat where persecution of moslems seems to go unheeded as in Orissa, Meghalaya with the burning of Christians and their churches. The bastion of secularism in that part of the world may be fast losing its claim to such a stance. As home to Hindus that form 14% of the world's population (Islam accounts for 16%), this a signal of a serious challenge. Elsewhere in Sudan, Ethopia, Iraq factions driven by religious divides are causing immense tensions. Issues like female circumcision based on religious beliefs, banned in several countries, still pervade Algeria, Iran, Kuwait, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Religion could be that huge challenge. Bigthink Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:46:57 +0100 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/2045/#6713