religion: source of terror or peace?

RELIGION

Source of Terror or Peace?

Dr. Kevin Saldanha

Dr. Kevin Saldanha, Regional Director, Humanist Canada

Religions of the World


Abrahamic vs. Eastern Religions


Distribution of World Religions


Christianity by Country


Islam by Country


Hinduism by Country


Buddhism by Country


Religiosity

Map showing relative importance of religion by country. Based on a 2006-2008 worldwide survey by Gallup.


Terror: from the Latin verb terrere meaning "to

frighten“ Verb:Make (someone) afraid or anxious. Deter someone or something from

involvement or action by making them afraid….


FEAR

Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat.

Universal – Biochemical Fear Individualized – Emotional Fear The top ten fears were, in order: terrorist

attacks, spiders, death, being a failure, war, heights, criminal or gang violence, being alone, the future, and nuclear war.


Fear of Death: Thanotophobia

Fear of death is tied into religious belief

Religious beliefs are highly personalized

It has roots in fear of the unknownPeople who are highly intelligent and inquisitive are often at greater risk

As are those who are questioning their own philosophical or religious beliefs.


“He descended into Hell…”


Imaginary Fear of Hell


Hope of Purgatory


Salvation

BIOLOGICAL DEATH

FROM

SPIRITUAL DEATH

DIVINE PUNISHMENT


“… on the third day he rose…”


Heaven


INNER PEACE

Inner peace refers to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace

Being "at peace" is considered by many to be healthy and the opposite of being stressed or anxious.

Peace of mind is generally associated with bliss, happiness and contentment.


Tenzin GyatsoHis Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

“The question of real, lasting world peace concerns human beings, so basic human feelings are also at its roots. Through inner peace, genuine world

peace can be achieved. In this the importance of individual responsibility is quite clear; An atmosphere of peace must first be

created within ourselves, then gradually expanded to include our families, our communities, and ultimately the whole planet.”


Structures of Peace

http://www.visionofhumanity.org


Global Peace Index 2011

http://www.visionofhumanity.org


World Poverty by Country


Religiosity by Country


Religiosity by Income


Quality-of-life index 8.000 - 8.999 7.201 - 7.999 6.000 - 7.200 5.000 - 5.999 4.000 - 4.999 3.000 - 3.999 No Data

Health: Life expectancy at birth (in years). Family life: Divorce rate (per 1,000 population), Community life: Rate of church attendance or trade-union membershipMaterial well being: GDP per personPolitical stability and security: Climate and geography: Latitude, to distinguish between warmer and colder climates. Job security: Unemployment ratePolitical freedom: Political and civil liberties. Gender equality: Male and female earnings.


Welfare spending and Church attendance


International Aid


Int’l Aid, cont’d – the bad news


Peace Dove or Passenger Pigeon?


… and if we have time…


IMAGINE PEACE


THANK YOU

religion: source of terror or peace?

Spiritual

regional director

humanist canada

kevin saldanhasource

inner peace

peace of mind

fear of death

clearan atmosphere of

emotional fear