Secularisation

Question 1

Explanation of secularisation- rationalisation

Answer 1

Weber- the protestant reformation started a process of rationalisation which undermines religious worldview

e.g. medival catholic worldview= spiritual forces actively played a role in changing events and humans could influence this through prayer and pilgrimage
Protestantism= God is transcendent so he will not intervene in it

Question 2

Explanantions of secularisation: technological worldview

Answer 2

This has replaced religious explanations

For example: if a plane crashes, it can be explained through technology instead of it being the work of evil spirits

Question 3

Church attendance- 1850s vs 2015

Answer 3

1850s: 40%
2015: 5%

Question 4

Infant baptisms?

Answer 4

The number of infant baptisms is half those in 1964

Question 5

What has happened to the number of catholics and muslims

Answer 5

Increased due to migration and higher birth rates

Question 6

Explanation of secularisation: religious diversity

Answer 6

Berger- After the protestant reformation, the catholic church lost its monopoly on the truth so there is no sacred canopy that all people live under.

This has undermined religions plausability structure and caused a crisis of credibility because there are too many alternatives

Question 7

Criticisms: Berger

Answer 7

Changes his views and now argues that diversity stimulates interest in religion e.g. growth of evangelicalism in Latin America

Question 8

Criticism of secularisation theory

Answer 8

Religion may have declined in Europe but it hasnt declined globally e.g. Nigeria