Religion and migration : curse or opportunity?

Abstract

All religions have been disseminated through migration, following paths of trade or military conquests. On the other hand, migration is becoming a major sociological and anthropological trend in the world nowadays. The more globalization, which means more exchange of ideas, goods and human beings, the more fragile minds feel the need of a strong cultural and religious identity. Some of these fragile personalities use a paranoid system of thought, living their religion exclusively in a confrontational and an aggressive way.

Many Maghrebian migrants into Europe have difficulty finding a balanced identity. Some of them are tempted by the “clash of civilizations” theory, and implement it with an illegal behaviour, and sometimes in a terrorist way.

A major flaw in the integration of Maghrebian and Muslims in Europe is the non-intervention of the governments in religious affairs. It is highly desirable to monitor the education of religious leaders in all religions, opening it up with humanities and comparative study of religions. Migration represents a historic opportunity for Humanity to implement a real dialogue between cultures and religions worldwide.