Age and Religion Flashcards
What percentage of over 65s are non religious
2%
What is the average age of a churchgoer?
40 and increasing-Christian research
Why are old people more religious-Socialisation
Old people were socialised into religious society-religiosity seen as moral-non religious are condemmed-hold stronger beliefs and are resistant to secularisation
Why are old people more religious-comfort
-Religion helps people deal with death-provides comfort w sense of an afterlife-meaning and reduces existential anxiety-helpful for old people who experience more death-more attractive
Why are old people more religious-social support
-Retirement is isolating as friends and partners die-less interaction w outside world-religion provides community and social support-social functions.
Why are young people less religious-secularisation
-Lyotard-Religion has lost its influence over peoples thinking
-no longer socialised into religious values-secular society challenges religious claims-many young people dont believe claims of religion-more critical-dont see religion as essential
Why are young people less religious-social change
-Younger people are more progressive-church seen as out of touch-teachings on abortion, homosexuality etc are seen as harmful and regressive in a liberal society-religion is seen as harmful and is rejected by the progressive younger generation-unecessary force
Are young people actually less religious? Civil religion
-Lynch-In a secular society people look to football,celebrity or political movements as sacred-fill the same function of religion-younger gen see secular things as sacred
Alternative spirituality
-Young people reject traditional religion but are more attracted to alternate spirituality which provides spiritual dimension whilst also rejecting trad religion-still hold religious beliefs-just harder to survey
