Civilization goes through three phases: heroic, administrative, and mystical. In the heroic phase, great people create new foundations. In the administrative phase people grow and manage an increasingly complex system. In the mystical phase, civilization breaks down and people search for meaning in religion and belief systems. Christianity grew at the end of the Roman Empire in its mystical phase.

We are entering into a mystical age where people no longer accept the premise of the Renaissance and Enlightenment thinkers. Capitalism, industrialism, and colonialism may be seen as the 'administrative' phase. What new religion will grow out of this mystical age? What new meaning will emerge as our current civilization is in decline?

Although the Roman civilization fell into the mystical phase of Christianity, it took several hundred years to fully decline. Even then, a new Christian civilization emerged to replace the Roman one.

So have hope. Even dying civilizations can create beautiful things like Christianity. That is the reason for a mystical phase. Rebirth and renewal.