Postmodern theories of Religion

Question 1

Postmodern theory of Society

Answer 1

Some sociologists believe that we have transgressed modernity and moved to the post modern age. Postmodern involves reshaped beliefs which are highly individual and largely based on social constructions.

Question 2

Sociologists have identified various characteristics of Postmodern society. They include:

Answer 2

1. ICT (people are more exposed to images/ideas/info from around world)
2. CONSUMERISM (creates our identities by what we buy)
3. MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE (multicultural society brings new ideas as people are exposed to different ways of life)
4. RISK AND UNCERTAINTY (people feel insecure- growing social and environmental risk)
5. GLOBALISATION (boundaries between nation states are breaking down with transnational organisations)

Question 3

Lyons

Answer 3

Postmodernists believe that these changes have had a major impact on the culture of society in the modern age. This involves changes in peoples: attitude to authority; their sense of identity; ideas of space and time

Question 4

Authority

Answer 4

According to Lyotard, postmodern culture is characterised by a widespread loss of confidence in meta narratives, such as religion, science and politics. People are less likely to accept that there are absolute truths. This comes with a declining confidence in the inevitability of progress and thus societies previously regarded as authoritative, and regarded with scepticism

Question 5

Identity

Answer 5

In modern society, identity is shaped by occupation, gender and class. In postmodern society, their identities are constructed more by personal choice. As a result, they are more fluid and flexible. However, they are also under more threat. According to Castells, this is a result of ICT and globalisation. Bauman adds that people construct their identities through what they choose to consume

Question 6

Time and Space

Answer 6

Postmodern society has seen a restructuring of time and space. Distance no longer provides a barrier to communication where individuals can contact each other instantly across the world, providing immediate access to cultures, practices, ideas and belied systems which were once remote and inaccessible.

Question 7

Postmodern society has led to the following changes in religion:
DECLINE OF DOMINANT RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

Answer 7

In modernity, metanarratives were transmitted through sacred texts and interpreted by highly regarded religious authorities. However because of global travel and the media, people have increased access to rival metanarratives. This undermines people’s confidence in all versions of the truth.

Question 8

THE RISE OF FUNDAMENTALISM

Answer 8

Postmodern relativism can also create the counter response of undermining religious institutions: fundamentalism. The last few decades have witnessed a rise in fundamentalism in all religions, which is seen by its followers as a return to the basics of religion. People tend to look to the past for a ‘golden age’ which can be used as a template for the future. Castells sees this as a way people construct ‘resistance identities’, as globalisation undermines their traditional sense of self. Although fundamentalism may reject aspects of technological process, Starrett notes that it often embraces modern technologies as long as they are applied with certain limits.

Question 9

THE SPREAD OF NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

Answer 9

Postmodern society encourages people to select religious beliefs that suit their chosen identities. As a result of travel, migration and the media, people are exposed to a vast array of religions. Postmodern consumers are already well prepared to select those items which appeal to them. This freedom and desire for choice has led to a spread of religious movements. Those interested can select a ‘pick and mix’ assortment from the beliefs on offer at the spiritual supermarket to see if they work for the consumer

Question 10

Evaluation

- Steve Bruce rejects the relativisation of truth

Answer 10

Bruce rejects the view that faith in science and reason is dead and all truths carry equal weight. Although people are now more cautious about the consequences of science, Bruce rejects that this amounts to a rejection of the metanarrative of science

Question 11

• Bruce questions the extent of Individualism

Answer 11

Bruce accepts that greater wealth and consumer choice have allowed people to create what they see as their own particular identities. However, he criticises postmodernists for ignoring the possibility that consumers may be manipulated by advertising to purchase items of mass consumption and to see this as an expression of their individuality