Explanations against secularisation
Religious Market Theory (Rational Choice Theory)
Existential Security Theory
Meaning: Being secure in your existence
Norris & Inglehart
Security = Low demand
Poor Societies
Rich Societies
Risk of Death
Demand for religion
Religion = spiritual hope
High standard of life = low risk
Greater security
Lower religousity
Global Population Undermines
Moor people born in poor societies
Religion on increase because people in poor societies on increase
Europe vs America
America more religious
Bad healthcare, social wealth care
Europe less religious
Equal, secure
Developed welfare state
Safety net for poor
Unequal
Inadequate welfare safety net
High poverty + insecurity = demand
Evaluation
Gill and Lundegaarde
Supporting
More spent on welfare >
Lower level of religious participation
Beginning in the 20th century
Religion won't disappear
Welfare doesn't answer "ultimate questions"
Vasquez
No qaulitative data
Ignore positive reasons for religion
Secularisation is Eurocentric
Religion can prosper outside EU
Stark and Bainbridge
Secularisation theory is distorted
No golden age
Religion was relied on in the past
2 Assumptions on human nature:
1) Naturally religious (meets needs)
2) Seek rewards & avoid cost
Compensators:
Absent real rewards
Instead supernatural rewards
Religion no on constant decline
Perpetual Cycle:
Decline to Revival/Renewal to Decline
Always changing not decline
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