Cultural Roots of Religious Resilience
Historically established cultural traditions continue to exert a strong influence on the level of religiosity in different parts of the world. In countries with low levels of economic development, religion becomes a stronghold during periods of instability, uniting communities and preserving moral guidelines. Here, faith serves not only as a spiritual resource but also as a means to overcome life’s difficulties, allowing people to find support and stability in challenging circumstances.In contrast, in more prosperous and economically advanced countries, there is a tendency toward a secular lifestyle, where the focus shifts to material well-being and social equality. The rise in living standards and the pursuit of individual self-realization often lead to a reduced reliance on religious institutions, as people are able to seek answers to life’s questions within the framework of scientific thinking and secular values.In summary, cultural heritage and national characteristics shape a unique landscape of religiosity in different countries. While economically developed societies welcome new influences by changing their orientations, traditional societies continue to rely on faith as the foundation for unity and moral development.
Why is higher religiosity observed in countries with lower levels of economic development compared to developed countries?One of the factors explaining the higher religiosity in these nations is the historically ingrained cultural and social traditions, where religion continues to play a leading role in public life. As noted in one of the sources, "Due to national traditions and the religious peculiarities of individual countries, the gap between cultural, social, and economic characteristics becomes especially evident. For example, in Europe and North America, growing prosperity and equality often lead to a decrease in religiosity, whereas in countries with lower levels of development, religion remains an important element of public life" (source: link txt).This indicates that in more prosperous and economically developed societies, a transition toward a secular lifestyle is taking place, where material well-being and social equality diminish the need for religious consolation or explanations of life processes. In countries with lower economic development, religion often functions as a moral and social guide, helping communities unite, seek support, and preserve traditional values amid economic instability.