Beliefs in Society: Internal Secularisation Flashcards
Why is there division amoung supporters of secularisation theory?
- Most supporters of secularisation argue it has taken place in Europe and the west.
- However, they are divided on how to interpret the relatively high levels of church attendence and worship among mainstream denominations in the US.
What percentage of the population attend church in the UK?
4.7%
Compared to the UK, where 4.7% of the population attend church
in the US, estimates range from 40% to 54% attending church at least once a month.
What percentage of the population attend church in the US?
40-54%
Why is secularisation in America harder to justify?
Evidence for secularisation theory cannot be found in declining church figures as there is much evidence for religious vitality in the US.
What is the Bible belt?
A region of the Southern United States in which socially conservative Protestant Christianity plays a strong role in society and politics, and church attendance across the denominations is generally higher than the nation’s average.
How does Heidenberg (1960) address the theme of secularisation in
How does Herberg (1960) address the theme of secularisation in America?
- Agrees evidence for secularisation in America cannot be found in declining church attendence.
- Despite this he believes America has become a more secular society.
- Religion and churches have undergone the process of internal secularisation.
What does Herberg (1960) mean by ‘internal secularisation’?
There has been a decline in the religisity of churhces and denominations themselves - they have become more secular.
Which sociologist sudied secularisation in America?
Herberg (1960)
Explain the features of ‘internal secularisation’.
- Religion and churches have become obsessed by secular concerns.
- To gain popularity and appeal religions have diliuted their faith.
- Churches have compromised their religious beliefs so that they can still have a place and ‘fit’ in society.
How have religions become more secular according to Herberg (1960)?
- They increasingly emphasise this world rather than the next.
- They have moved away from traditional doctrine, and concern with the supernatural.
- They have compromised their beliefs to fit in with wider society.
How has a multi-cultural society contributed to internal secularisation?
- Large scale immigration has created the need for a sense of identity and community.
- Church membership is important as it provides a sense of belonging, demonstarating a commitmnet to the ‘American way of life’.
- Religion acts as an intrigrating force in a diverse society, however emphasis is on practice rather than true belief.
Bruce (2011)
Agrees with Herberg arguing that religion has renmained popular by becoming ‘less religious’. Creating a palatable, communal, and non-faith orientated versaion of religion.
According to Herberg (1960), how has religion become subordinate to the ‘American way of Life’?
- Churches echo the American Dream and little emphasis is placed on theology.
- People find in religion, the main values of American Society.
- Church membership is seen as commitment to ‘the Amerian way of life’.
