postmodernism and belief Flashcards
What is Stark and Bainbridge’s religious market theory?
religion meets humans needs, so will always be present. human nature seeks rewards and avoid costs, religion can provide this.
cycle of religious decline, revival and then renewal. When traditional church declines, replaced by sects and cults.
Churches operate like companies selling goods- need to make their “products” attractive to succeed.
What is the evidence to support Stark and Bainbridge’s religious market theory?
if there is religious monopoly of truth in country, religion will decline as church has no incentive to give ppl what they want.
US- has no monopoly so religion thriving
Japan- until 1945, Shintoism was state religion, other forms oppressed, after ww2 restrictions lifted and other religions like Buddhism allowed, a free market in religion generated more participation
How does Bruce criticise Stark and Bainbridge’s religious market theory?
Religion in decline is evident in America as well. S and B misunderstood secularisation and claims everyone will eventually be atheist.
Is Stark and Bainbridge’s religious market theory resurgence or secularization?
decline in classical religion however now a broader market of religions to choose from so experiencing resurgence, more choice and so more likely to choose something.
What was Norris and Inglehart’s existential security theory?
religion meets a need for security, societies where ppl feel less secure religion is in demand.
poor societies- famine, disease- high religiosity
rich societies- high standard of living- low religiosity.
3rd world countries remain religious as most are less secure, growing population in these countries means religion is growing
What evidence is there of Norris and Inglehart’s existential security theory?
USA- most unequal of rich countries w poor welfare safety net and “dog eat dog” values- great need for religion
How can we criticise N and I existential security theory?
Vasquez- theory is based on quantitative data only- believes more qualitative info on peoples “definitions” of “Existential security” is needed
N and I ignore appeal religion can have for wealthy
What does Leger say?
idea of religion and personal choice
cultural amnesia- children no longer taught about religion by parents as children were in past
parents keen to allow children to decided for themselves
church has lots its power to “impose” religion on people
Why else do children experience cultural amnesia?
school- not a requirement to teach religion, prayers in school removed, nativity plays have been altered
What has traditional religion been replaced by?
Individual consumerism- ppl have choice about religion, we’ve become spiritual shoppers- DIY approach to religion
2 new religious types emerging
pilgrims- follow individual path, focus on personal development
converts- strong sense of belonging and community, examples- evangelical movements
religion impacts societies beliefs e.g-human rights
Is Leger’s ideas resurgence or secularisation, what about religion influencing society?
cultural amnesia- secularisation
pilgrims, converts and religions influencing laws is resurgence
What does Lyon say about de- institutionalisation?
religion has become de-institutionalised- w its signs and images detached from their place in religious institutions and instead floating on
now have instant access to beliefs of previously remote places- globalisation
ideas have been “disembedded by media”- lifted from original context and placed elsewhere
What does Lyon say about religion and choice?
religion becomes cultural resource individuals can change and adapt for own purpose.
no longer have to sign up for one religion- instead we can pick and mix elements of different faiths we agree w and make part of identity.
What does Lyon say this rise in choice and religion has led to?
loss in faith of meta-narratives, range of different beliefs has weakened claim of traditional religions that they hold the “truth”
past 40 yrs seen period of re-enchantment- a growth of unconventional beliefs and practices.
