Secularisation Flashcards
(9 cards)
Describe secularization as a process.
Secularization is the process whereby religious thinking, practices, and institutions lose significance in society.
Identify the three aspects of secularization to be examined.
Thinking, practices, and institutions.
Explain why functional religion is resistant to secularization.
Functional religion effectively provides societal functions, making it resistant to decline because it continues to serve society’s needs.
Differentiate between the disappearance thesis and the differentiation thesis of secularization.
The disappearance thesis claims modernity causes the death of religion, while the differentiation thesis states religion declines at the societal level but remains significant in private life.
Describe Hanson’s concept of broad and narrow secularization.
Broad sectorization refers to societal religion becoming secularized, while narrow sectorization refers to religion remaining significant in personal or private life.
Explain why substantive religion is declining according to secularization theories.
Substantive religion relies on belief in a deity, which declines with scientific rationalization and the decline of belief in God, as seen in modern scientific thinking.
Describe the argument that secularization is increasing due to the decline of religious influence.
Secularization is seen to increase as religion’s influence diminishes, evidenced by the decline of institutions like the Vatican and reduced religious attendance.
Describe the concept of secularization and its impact on religion in society.
Secularization refers to the process where religion loses its social significance and influence. It impacts society by reducing the role of religion in public life, although religion still plays a significant role in personal and life-cycle events like birth, marriage, and death.
