Perspectives on Future of Religion

With the upcoming 2009 Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne EnlightenNext presents some interviews with various faith leaders from the 2004 Parliament in Barcelona about the future of religion in the world. At the '04 Parliament Andrew Cohen and the staff of EnlightenNext asked many dozens of religious leaders from around the world and diverse faith traditions about what is in store for religion and spirituality in the coming years:

"What is the role of religion in today’s world? How do we deal with the rise of religious violence and fundamentalism? What role do spiritual progressives play in the transformation of our religious institutions? In a series of focused interviews, EnlightenNext asked some of the brightest minds and deepest hearts in Barcelona about the nature of the religious impulse and its role in our 21st century world." (EnlightenNext)

The EnlightenNext website presents some of these interviews. Let me give you a little taste of just some of the leaders and their sentiments:

Deepak Chopra discusses his view of an expanding synthesis between science and spirituality; Michael Beckwith recounts his own spiritual journey and the founding of the Agape Center; Sulak Sivaraksa, an outspoken voice of human rights and social justice, conveys his thoughts about religion going beyond traditional structures to new ones emphasizing interdependence; Tariq Ramadan shares his views of the challenges to Islam's future and Islam's further dialogue with other religions along with its internal dialogue to bridge Islam's gaps of history, culture, ethnicity, and religious divide; Mohinder Singh, a Sikh leader, explains how living a truly virtuous life is always the answer and antidote to the problems of the day and the concerns of tomorrow; Rashied Omar raises some interesting issues about fostering dialogue between religious extremists and moderates within and in-between faiths; Michael Lerner, a rabbi and activist, speaks of how a greater awareness of the ancient Jewish principle of "tikkun" (world transformation) will be cultivated; and Thomas Zender, past president and CEO of Unity, speaks about the about the role of a spirituality freed of traditional restrictive dogma in our contemporary society and the need for new, evolutionary thinking to guide us into the future guided by the principle of "unity."

There are some very well-reknown leaders and activists in this list of over 20 interviews. I'm pleased to see a diverse variety of faiths represented -- and even some New Thought representatives present.

Check these interviews out at the EnlightenNext website. This years encounter at the Parliament should be just as exciting, informative, and enlightening.