Beliefs In Society- Age And Religiosity Flashcards
Why are young people rejecting traditional religion?
Because its teachings conflict with their values on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender equality, and they find services boring and outdated.
What counterargument does Davie provide?
Young people may still believe without belonging (BWB), holding religious beliefs privately without attending services.
What is cultural amnesia?
The loss of collective religious memory as parents stop teaching religion, letting children choose their own spiritual path.
How does Hervieu-Léger describe young people’s spirituality?
As “spiritual shoppers” who pick-and-mix elements from different religions.
What evidence challenges cultural amnesia?
High church attendance rates among under-15s show some parents still pass on religious traditions.
What general pattern exists between age and religiosity?
Older people are more religious, except under-15s (forced attendance) and over-65s (health limitations).
How did the Church respond to youth disengagement?
In 2000, the Archbishop of Canterbury suggested modernizing services with music and non-church venues like pubs.
Why are older people more religious? (3 reasons)
1) Disengagement from society leads to seeking religious social support
2) Stronger religious socialization in their youth
3) Facing mortality makes religion’s focus on death meaningful
Why are young people less religious? (4 reasons)
1) Find services boring and values outdated
2) Secularization reduces belief in religious metanarratives (Lyotard)
3) Declining religious education in schools
4) Prefer leisure activities like shopping/clubbing
What two effects explain age differences (Voas & Crockett)?
1) Ageing effect: Turn to religion when facing mortality
2) Generational effect: New cohorts are more secular than previous ones
What arguments suggest youth aren’t less religious?
1) Lynch: They’re switching to NRMs in the expanded spiritual marketplace
2) Still believe privately without belonging to institutions
3) Find “secular spirituality” in football/celebrities
How do rationalization and multiculturalism affect youth (Davie)?
Scientific explanations and exposure to multiple faiths make them doubt singular religious truths.
Which age groups join which NRMs?
- Youth: Sects (due to marginalization and freedom from dependents)
- Middle-aged: Cults (seeking spiritual fulfillment for relative deprivation)
