The State of Confusion in the World: Perspectives on Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health
The world today is riddled with confusion as individuals face divergent beliefs about religion, spirituality, and the overall meaning of life. On one hand, many adhere to religious teachings, believing that the key to salvation lies in following the guidance of holy scriptures. They see life as a test, and upon death, a reward awaits for those who have lived according to God’s word. On the other hand, some hold a more spiritual view, where God or a divine presence exists within everything, with the universe itself as a reflection of the creator. This group often believes that by aligning themselves with universal energy, they can reach a higher state of consciousness, bringing about personal happiness, peace, and success.
Beyond these two dominant perspectives, there are numerous other concepts, each shaping how people view existence. But a critical question arises: Are these various beliefs and ideas actually leading people towards peace, prosperity, and a better life? Or are they further complicating the human quest for purpose? To understand this, we must examine how these beliefs came into existence and what led people to start thinking deeply about the meaning of life. What drives humanity to seek new ways of living and to constantly ponder over questions of purpose and fulfillment?
In today’s world, the influence of media—whether through social media platforms, traditional news, or the behaviors of others—plays a huge role in shaping individual thoughts and beliefs. These constant streams of information and differing messages often leave people feeling confused, overwhelmed, and even depressed. In many cases, exposure to opposing viewpoints or lifestyle models can lead to disillusionment, anxiety, and mental health challenges. More seriously, some individuals are suffering from severe psychological conditions like psychosis, with distorted perceptions of reality. This raises another important question: What has caused such a profound change in the collective behavior and mindset of people worldwide? Is this mental distress a result of global political manipulation, the pressures of modern living, or something deeper—perhaps even a religious or spiritual phenomenon?
Some scholars and spiritual teachers argue that what we are witnessing globally is not just a mental health crisis but rather an evolution of human consciousness. From this perspective, the rise in depression, anxiety, and existential crisis is part of a larger process, often described as “spiritual awakening.” This theory suggests that many people are beginning to confront their “shadow” side, a term often used in psychology to describe the darker, hidden parts of one’s psyche, sometimes referred to as the subconscious mind. This stage, according to believers, is difficult and uncomfortable, often leading individuals into periods of depression, as they struggle with their unresolved emotions, fears, and traumas. However, the theory asserts that once people confront and heal these darker aspects of themselves, they can ascend to higher states of consciousness, often referred to as moving from a “3D” (third-dimensional) state of existence to a “5D” (fifth-dimensional) level, where they can experience a more enlightened, peaceful, and prosperous life.
Yet, this is only one interpretation. Others take a more skeptical approach, seeing the global mental health crisis not as a spiritual evolution but as a manufactured outcome driven by secret political agendas. For instance, some argue that powerful elites or secret societies are manipulating the population through various means, including media control and pharmaceutical interventions. According to this perspective, the widespread promotion of vaccines or treatments like those developed for the COVID-19 pandemic is viewed as a means to subjugate the masses. The claim is that by making people more individualistic and disconnected from traditional social structures like family and religion, these secret groups are better able to control society, pushing towards what is sometimes referred to as the “New World Order.” Under this theory, media outlets, technological giants, and pharmaceutical companies are seen as tools used by these powerful elites to create a world where people are more focused on materialism, consumerism, and personal gratification rather than collective spiritual or religious values. This, in turn, is thought to weaken societal bonds, leaving individuals more vulnerable to external control.
But what about the millions who believe that neither spiritual awakening nor political manipulation is behind the current state of the world? Some argue that we are simply witnessing the consequences of modern living. The rapid advancements in technology, global communication, and societal structures have created a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that is unlike anything humanity has experienced before. In such a world, the overwhelming stimuli—from work demands to social media pressures—can lead people to feel alienated, disconnected, and unhappy. The expectation to constantly be “on” or productive, combined with the pressure to present a perfect image of oneself online, is enough to leave anyone feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. In this view, the solution to our global mental health crisis lies not in spiritual enlightenment or conspiracies but in creating a more balanced, mindful way of living. This would require changes in how we structure our societies, including slowing down the pace of life, placing less emphasis on material success, and more on community, connection, and mental well-being.
While these theories—spiritual, political, and social—attempt to explain the current state of confusion and distress that many people experience, there are no clear answers. What seems certain is that humanity is undergoing a profound shift, whether internally through personal awakening or externally through societal and global changes. For many, the question is not only how to cope with this shift but also how to thrive in this new world.
Ultimately, each individual must find their path through the challenges and uncertainties of modern life. Whether one turns to religion, spirituality, politics, or mindfulness for answers, the journey is a deeply personal one. However, what remains essential is that we acknowledge the complexity of the human experience and avoid rushing to simple conclusions. The world we live in is multifaceted, and so are the struggles we face. Rather than looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, it might be more helpful to embrace the diversity of experiences and perspectives and to seek understanding rather than division.
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By Khushdil Khan Kasi