Religious Market Theory Flashcards
Who are the main advocates of religious market theory?
Stark and Bainbridge.
Why are they critical of secularisation theory?
They see it as Eurocentric, as it focuses on the decline of religion in Europe and fails to explain its continuing vitality in America and elsewhere.
How does secularisation theory put a distorted view of the pass and future?
There was no ‘golden age’ of religion in the past, nor is it realistic to predict a future end-point for religion where everyone will be an atheist.
What two assumptions is religious market theory based on?
People are naturally religious and religion meets human needs. The overall demand for religion remains constant, even though the demand for particular types of religion may vary.
It is human nature to seek rewards and avoid costs. When people make choices, they weigh up the costs and benefits of the different options available.
