Modernity and Christianity (Essay Sample)

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Modernity and Christianity
In reference to religion and morality, modernity refers to a phase in time and attitude that questions and rejects the traditional way of thinking and the same way of life. This kind of attitude prioritizes the freedom of the individual compared to traditional attitudes and way of thinking that prioritized the religious authority and the teachings of religion. Through modernity, religion has been judged from a rational point of view in comparison to the traditional mindset that obliged to all that religion guided without questioning whether it was actually good for the individual or not. Modernity has challenged and transformed religion in many ways that border on leading a secular life while still being knowledgeable about religion but having a more rational balance between the two.
Modernity was a product of the enlightenment period that started in Europe in the 17th century with the scientific revolutions that led to many discoveries that challenged some of the explanations religion had given to things. From this period, modernity has been a major challenge to religion up to the present times of the 21st century. One of the ways it has challenged religion is in the explanation for the beginning of humanity and the world. While modernity, in this case represented by science explains the beginning of humanity and the world as a result of the big bang and evolution, Christianity insists on the explanation of creation by God. Another critical challenge to Christianity as brought forward by modernity is the issue of gay and lesbian rights. It has transformed Christianity to being more tolerant to traditionally unaccepted ways of living into adopting more rational lifestyles based on the individual. In other words, modernity has transformed religion to a state where religion has to and does appreciate cultural change. It was largely unheard of before and started taking root in the twentieth century.
Modernity has also challenged and transformed the notion of Christianity by believing in technological progress as the solution to some of the problems facing humanity. Before it, Christianity had been seen as the solution with the belief and obedience to God seen as the solution to all problems. However, due to modernity, technology has transformed the way people understand things in society and Christianity being an integral part of society has also been transformed. There has been a shift from monasticism in the 17th century to secularization and capitalism throug...