Arguments against Secularisation (religion is changing not declining)

Question 1

Believing without belonging

Answer 1

Davie
Religion isn’t declining, but is simply taking a more privatised form
people believe but are reluctant to belong to organisations either these are churches or political institutions - but people still hold religious beliefs, Davies refers to this as believing without belonging
Notes a trend towards vicarious religion - religion is practised by an active minority on behalf of the great majority - people experience religion second hand

Question 2

Eval for believing without belonging

Answer 2

Bruce
If people are not willing to invest time into going to church this reflects declining strength of their belief - when people no longer believe, they no longer with to belong, so their involvement in religion decreases

Question 3

How has consumerism changed religion?

Answer 3

Religion is individualised
Hervieu Leger -
Postmodern sociey involves growth of consumerism, we now act as ‘spiritual shoppers’ choosing religious beliefs and practices that best suit out individual needs from the vast range available in the religious marketplace
We no longer have to sign up to any one specific traditional religion, instead we Pick n mix elements of different religions to suit our tastes and make them part of our identities until something more fashionable or attractive comes along

Question 4

Globalisation & religion

Answer 4

• Globalisation is the increasing inter-connectedness of societies, increased movement of ideas (science)
• Instantaneous access to religious beliefs & ideas - relgion has become disembedded, no longer practiced in physical locations - online

Question 5

Religion & the internet

Answer 5

Helland
Religion online: Top-down communication, where religious organisations use the internent to address members and potential converts. No feedback or dialouge between members

Online Religion: A form of cyber communication, allows individuals to form non-hierarchical relationships and build a sense of community where they can visit virtual worship or meditation spaces, explored shared interests and provide mutual support

Question 6

Re-enchantment

Answer 6

Lyon
Criticises secularisation theory
Period of re-enchantment, with growth of unconventional beliefs, spirituality
Spiritual revolution is taking place, traditional Christianity is replaced by New Age practises that emphasise personal development
Growth of ‘spiritual market’
More self help books - healing

Question 7

Contrast between religion & spirituality

Answer 7

Heelas & Woodhead

Religion - life as duty
Spirituality - life as discovery

Religion - conforming to external authority
Spirituality - Connecting with inner self

Religion - Family life - traditional values and discipline
Spirituality - Family life - emotional bonds & self expression

Religion - self sacrifice
Spirituality - Personal development

Question 8

Religious market theory - how does religion compensate?

Answer 8

Stark & Bainbridge
Religion is attractive because it provides compensators. When real rewards are unobtainable, religion compensates by providing spiritual ones. Eg; immortality is unobtainable but religion compensates by promising life after death

Question 9

Religious market theory. How can religion be seen as a competition?

Answer 9

Stark & Bainbridge
Churches operate like companies selling goods in a market
Competition leads to improvements in the quality of religous ‘goods’ on offer
Churches that make their products the most attractive will succeed in attracting more customers
Churches who are not responsive to the needs of their members will decline

Question 10

Eval for religious market theory (supports)

Answer 10

Hadden & Shupe
Growth of ‘televangelism’ in America shows the levels of religious participation is supply led
When commercial funding of religious broadcasts began in the 1960’s, it opened up compeition in which evangelical churches thrived
An a commercial enterprise, televangelism responded to consumer demand by preaching a ‘prosperity gospel’

Question 11

Existential security theory

Answer 11

Norris and Ingleheart
Religion meets a need for security and therefore societies where people already feel secure have a low level demand for religion

Poor socieities - where people face life-threatening risks such as famine, disease, enviromental disasters, have high levels of insecurity - higher levels of religiosity, poor people who live in rich societies also face greater insecurity and therefore ar more religious than rich people in those societies

Rich societies - where people have a high standard of living and are at less risk, have a greater sense of security, lower levels of religiosity