[3.0] Secularisation in Britain Flashcards
What did evidence from the 1851 Census of Religious Worship claim?
40% of the population attended church on Sundays.
What have sociologists claimed the 19th century was?
A golden age for religion.
What are some of the major changes to religion since the 19th century?
- A decline in the proportion of the population attending church.
- An increase in the average age of churchgoers.
- Fewer baptisms and church weddings.
- A decline in the numbers holding traditional Christian beliefs.
- Greater religious diversity.
How does Wilson (1966) define secularisation?
The process whereby religious beliefs, practices and institutions lose social significance.
How much of the adult population attended church on Sunday in 2005?
6.3%.
Attendance to what has declined greatly?
Sunday school.
What did the English Church Census (2006) show?
Membership of large organisations has declined, and some small organisations are growing in size.
Even though church weddings and baptisms are still more popular than Sunday services, are these still in decline?
Yes.
The influence of what as a social institution has declined?
Religion.
How does the church still have influence on public life?
`In the House of Lords, there are 26 bishops who make decisions on legislation.
What has taken over the functions of the church?
The state.
Where has religion been relegated to?
The private sphere of the home and family.
Although faith schools exist, what do they have to conform to?
Regulations set by the state.
By how much has the clergy decreased?
From 45,000 to 34,000.
What does Bruce (2003) predict?
The Methodist church will fold by 2030 and the Church of England will become a voluntary organisation with a large amount of heritage property.
