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Secularisation (Explanations of secularisation (Rationalism (world going…
Secularisation
Explanations of secularisation
Rationalism
Max Weber
rational thinking > religious thinking
started by protestant reformation
rational, technological thinking replacing magical religious beliefs
world going through process of
'disenchantment'
god no longer intervenes
events explained as predictable workings of natural forces
removal of magic and religious ways of thinking
Technological world view
Bruce:
technological world view replaced religious explanations
leaves little room for religious thinking
technology does not challenge religion but reduced the scope of religious explanations
Structural differentiation
parsons: process of specialisation
no longer does only the church control every institution
Disengagement
occurred because of structural differentiation
functions transferred to other institutions
church therefore becomes disconnected from society
Privatisation
Bruce:
religion become more separated and lost many functions
enclosed in the family sphere mainly
even when religion controls a certain institution: must still conform to state guidelines
social and cultural diversity
decline of community
decline in community means decline in shared rituals and integration of society
industrialisation
undermines consensus of religion and small communities giving way to larger ones - more diverse values
diversity (cultures, occupations and lifestyles)
bruce:
plausibility of any religion undermined by diversity of beliefs
Religious Diversity
Berger:
many different faiths and beliefs
Sacred canopy
Plausibility structure
Cultural Defence and transition
two
counter trends
against secularisation
cultural defence
religion provides a focal point for the defence of national identity in a struggle against external force
cultural transition
religion provides support and sense of community for religious groups to different countries (such as migrants)
Herberg
study
Criticisms
Berger
changed his view and argues that diversity can stimulate interest
Beckford
religious diversity will lead to questioning/abandoning of religions
but believes this is not inevitable
Definitions of Secularisation
Wilson
religious beliefs and practices loosing significance
3 levels of analysis to address
1) religious practice and function
2) religious organisation
3) religious thoughts and beliefs
Berger
sectors of society removed from domination of institutions and symbols
Secularisation in America
Wilson
45% attend church on sundays
may not be going to church for religious reasons but more the way of 'American life'
Bruce
Agrees that America is more secular
Declining church attendance
opinion poll : 40% of population attend church
Hadaway: researched this, found that claim of attending church was 83% higher than those who actually attended
widening attendance gap
Secularisation from within
american religions adjusted to secular world
american religion got more popular by becoming less religious
Religious diversity
churchgoers becoming less dogmatic
bruce
Lynd and lynd
Criticism
religion not declining but changing its forms
secularisation theory is one sided: disregards new religions
church attendance falling ignores people who are still religious but cannot attend church
religious diversity increases participation by offering choice