decline of religious institutions Flashcards
briefly list the arguments for the decline of religious institutions
-religious organisations have disengaged from society
-increasing alternative sources of info
-disneyization of religious institutions
briefly list the reasons against the decline of religious institutions
-institutional power of churches remains
-strengthening of religious institutions
-religious institutions remain very important in minority ethnic communities
(FOR)
explain how religious organisations have disengaged from society
-parsons saw this as a process of structural differentiation where new organisations take over functions, eg the NHS
(FOR)
explain what is meant by alternative sources of info
-eliminated the monopoly of knowledge RI’s would claim
-Halman + Draulans - the more globalised society became, the less religious
(FOR)
explain what is meant by the disneyization of religious institutions
-Bryman 2004 - the transformation into a diluted version
-Lyon - harvest day crusade at disneyland california is a way of bringing ‘Gods kingdom’ to the magic kingdom
(AGAINST)
explain what is meant by ‘the institutional power of churches remains’
-CofE is the established church
-CofE bishops have seats in the house of lords
-CofE is extremely wealthy and is one of the largest property owners in the UK
(AGAINST)
explain what is meant by the strengthening of religious institutions
-structural differentiation may strengthen the church as it can focus on purely spiritual matters and religious influence
(AGAINST)
explain what is meant by religious institutions remaining important in ethnic minority communities
-mosques, temples and synagogues are important symbols of identity
-Bruce - religion can act as a means of cultural transition and cultural defence