Secularisation and religion, renewal and choice Flashcards
Bruce on why there is now secularisation
the growth of technology has largely replaced religion (‘technological worldview’).
For example if a disaster happened (plane crashed) – unlikely to regard it as a evil spirit
Religious perspectives are taken less seriously
only exist in areas that technology is least effective such as praying when someone is ill - if no cure etc
who talks about a technological world view
Bruce
who talks about rationalism
weber
who talks about structural differentiation
parsons
who talks about there being too much diversity so there is a crisis of credibility
Berger
who talks about religion being a spiritual health service
Davie
who talks about vicarious religion
Davie
who talks about spiritual shopping
Leger
Parsons on why there is now secularisation
Structural differentiation
- sees religion as having separate and specialised functions that no longer engage with modern post idustrial society - disengagement and privatisation
religion has become disengaged from society – no longer an integrated function ( lost influence with welfare state, education etc )
- seen as outdated.
- privatised and only being expressed behind closed doors and less involvement in the community.
separate sphere of home and family
seperatisation of church and state
Berger on why there is now secularisation
everyone has a different interpretation of faith (religious diversity) which makes the practise of religion a lot more subjective and is no longer under a ‘sacred canopy’. (Middle Ages there was a sacred canopy of everyone being under Catholic Church since they held monopoly- truth unquestioned)
Society no longer has a unified belief of one religious concept.
so ‘crisis of creditability’ – when there are many versions to choose between, people are likely to question all of them and not confirm the certainties of traditional religion.
Weber on why there is now secularisation
Rationalisation:
- decline of traditional belief and more of a focus on scientific belief and rational thought process.
EXAMPLE: The ‘Protestant Reformation’ movement fixated on science and started the process of rationalisation in Western culture and domination of rational mode of thought
It brought about a new perspective and thus ‘disenchanted the world’ – remove the magical and spiritual element of religion and instead focus on logistics.
explain how davie argues against secularisation (obligation to consumption)
From obligation to consumption:
– it is no longer inherited or imposed but it is a matter of personal choice – people are identifying with religion in a different manner.
This is focussing on individual choice as religion is taking a privatised view (believing without belonging).
eg. increase of adults having a baptism
explain how davie argues against secularisation (spiritual health service)
the church is always there for support and is there for everyone to use if needed.
For example: weddings, funerals, baptisms. Most people would not go to church or pray but they still remain part of the religion if they need support.
explain how davie argues against secularisation ( vicarious religion)
what phrase does she use to describe this !!
religion is practiced by an active minority (professional clergy and regular churchgoers) and those who experience religion at second hand (general public) are influenced by this and start to develop a spiritual understanding
believing without belonging - low levels of attendance but still those who identify with it
explain how Leger argues against secularisation
SPIRITUAL SHOPPING
we now have largely loose religious teaching unlike in past when it used to be taught (cultural amnesia) - loss of collective memory. parents let children decide
People are no longer have a fixed religious identity- people feel that they have a choice to pick and choose (spiritual shoppers).
For example: converts - follow religion in search for community and belonging
