Hawzah News Agency- Speaking on Wednesday at a scientific panel during the First International Conference on the Theology of Resistance at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Professor Adullah Manachit examined the major challenges and emerging opportunities facing theological resistance amid rapid global change.
He described theological resistance as a defining feature of the path of the prophets and righteous figures throughout history, stressing that it goes beyond opposing oppression to include the defense of divine truth, human dignity, and a moral order rooted in revelation.
Professor Manachit said the modern world is marked by political instability, cultural confrontation, and widespread spiritual confusion, conditions that pose serious challenges to theological resistance. At the same time, he added, these circumstances also present unprecedented opportunities for renewal and growth.
He emphasized that theological resistance should not be understood as rebellion for its own sake, but as a conscious, principled, and ethical effort to safeguard justice, truth, and spiritual integrity.
Addressing the main challenges, the Thai scholar pointed to intellectual and ideological fragmentation as one of the most serious threats. He said the dominance of digital communication has often led to the dilution, distortion, or manipulation of religious knowledge, weakening spiritual cohesion and shared moral understanding.
Professor Manachit also cited political and economic pressures, saying restrictive power structures have repeatedly sought to control or marginalize religious discourse, creating significant obstacles for theological resistance. He added that rapid modernization has generated moral uncertainty and cultural insecurity, leaving many societies struggling to distinguish right from wrong.
Turning to opportunities, he said renewed global interest in classical religious, spiritual, and ethical texts has opened new avenues for strengthening theological resistance. He noted that digital platforms, despite their challenges, can also serve as effective tools for disseminating authentic religious teachings and promoting moral awareness.
Highlighting the importance of global solidarity and public awakening, Professor Manachit said theological resistance has inspired worldwide movements in defense of justice and dignity, helping to forge human bonds that transcend borders. He stressed that one of the most critical arenas of resistance today lies within the individual, through self-purification and spiritual development.
He called for deeper understanding, moral leadership, and greater unity among communities as essential elements in reinforcing theological resistance. He added that responding to contemporary challenges with wisdom and insight is crucial to sustaining its effectiveness.
Concluding his remarks, Professor Manachit said theological resistance is not a relic of the past but a living and ongoing responsibility. In a world where spirituality and meaning are increasingly under strain, he said, theological resistance serves as a source of hope.
He added that by combining knowledge, moral courage, and spiritual integrity, believers can transform both themselves and their societies, stressing that true resistance includes the struggle against ignorance, ego, and injustice alongside opposition to external oppression.
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