The Role of Religious Knowledge in Addressing Contemporary Spiritual and Social Crises

Abstract

In the contemporary world, spiritual and social crises, driven by rapid cultural, economic, and technological changes, have emerged as significant challenges for societies. These crises not only affect individuals' mental health and quality of life but also undermine social foundations, leading to the disintegration of collective norms and increasing inequalities. In this context, religious knowledge serves as a crucial spiritual resource that can effectively address these crises. This paper employs a narrative review method with descriptive analysis to examine the role of religious knowledge in mitigating spiritual and social crises. The theoretical background indicates that religion, through the promotion of ethical values and social principles, can enhance social cohesion and stability, while also assisting individuals in finding meaning and purpose in life. However, religious knowledge faces challenges such as secularism, globalization, and postmodern critiques, which can diminish its societal role. Conversely, opportunities exist for reinforcing the role of religion by revisiting core religious teachings, leveraging modern communication technologies, and fostering inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogues. This study analyzes case studies and authoritative religious sources to demonstrate that, by capitalizing on these opportunities and addressing existing challenges, the role of religious knowledge in combating contemporary crises can be significantly strengthened. The findings underscore the necessity of adapting religious teachings to contemporary needs and highlight strategies for policymakers and researchers to enhance the positive impact of religion on social and spiritual resilience. Ultimately, this research contributes to the understanding of how religious knowledge can foster a sustainable and cohesive society amidst ongoing global challenges.