Secularisation And The Renewal Of Religious Beliefs Flashcards
(15 cards)
Weber on rationalism
The process where rational thinking and scientific understanding replace religious explanations.
Weber argued that Western societies were becoming increasingly dominated by rational, bureaucratic systems, which displace religious worldviews.
Weber on disenchantment
As science and rationality grow, the world becomes “disenchanted”—less magical, mystical, and sacred.
This leads to a decline in the supernatural elements of religion.
What is Desacralisation
A broader concept than disenchantment; refers to the loss of sacredness in the public and private spheres.
Monopoly of the truth by Berger
In pre-modern societies, religion had a monopoly over truth—everyone followed the same religious worldview.
In modern pluralistic societies, multiple worldviews compete, weakening the authority of any single religion.
Sacred Canopy – Berger
Religion used to provide a “sacred canopy”—a shared, overarching framework that gave meaning to life.
In modernity, this canopy is fragmented by pluralism, leading to individualised belief systems.
Schism in Religion
Refers to internal splits within religions (e.g., denominations or sects) that reflect loss of unity and contribute to secularisation by weakening institutional authority.
Structural Differentiation – Talcott Parsons
As societies modernise, social institutions become more specialised.
Religion becomes separated from other institutions (e.g., education, politics), losing influence over public life.
Religious Pluralism – Berger, Bruce
The coexistence of many religions undermines absolute authority—people start seeing religious truth as relative, not absolute.
Bruce sees pluralism as a driver of secularisation.
Berger later revised his view, acknowledging pluralism might lead to religious revitalisation.
Believing Without Belonging – Grace Davie
People still hold religious beliefs but no longer participate in formal institutions (e.g., church).
Suggests secularisation is about decline in practice, not necessarily belief.
Religious Market Theory – Stark & Bainbridge
Religious Market Theory argues that religion doesn’t decline due to modernisation but thrives in competitive, deregulated markets where people can choose between faiths. It challenges traditional secularisation theory by claiming religious decline in places like Europe is due to state religious monopolies, not a loss of belief. In contrast, high levels of religious participation in places like the U.S. are explained by religious competition, not cultural backwardness.
Disneyfication of Religion – David Lyon
Religion becomes commodified and consumer-oriented, adapted to pop culture (e.g., televangelism, mega-churches).
Religion survives by reinventing itself in a postmodern world.
Fuzzy Fidelity – David Voas
Many people are “fuzzy” in their beliefs—neither devout believers nor complete atheists.
Indicates a gradual fading of religious commitment across generations.
Cultural Defence – Steve Bruce
Religion revives when it becomes a symbol of identity or resistance, especially in times of threat (e.g., Islam in the Middle East, Catholicism in Poland).
Cultural Transition- Bruce
Religion helps migrants maintain cultural identity and community ties when adjusting to a new society.
However, this often declines in later generations.
Impacts of Migration – Lyon, Bruce
Migration leads to increased diversity and pluralism, often strengthening religion in immigrant communities.
Yet over time, assimilation may reduce religious commitment.
