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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