Religion in Contemporary Society

Question 1

Berger

Answer 1

• Pentecostalism in Latin America acts as a functional equivalent to Weber’s protestant work ethic - encourage the development of capitalism.

Question 2

Davie

Answer 2

• Vicarious Religion - small minority practice religion on behalf of a much larger number of people.

Question 3

Bruce

Answer 3

• New Age is too weak to fill the gap left by decline of traditional religion.
• Small scale + not passed onto the next generation, individualistic + weak commitment.

Question 4

Hervieu-Leger

Answer 4

• Cultural Amnesia - lost religion handed down through church + family.
• Greater quality has undermined traditional churches power, so younger people don’t identify.

Question 5

Lyon

Answer 5

• Postmodern Society: construct our identities through what we consume.
• Spiritual Shoppers - choose religious beliefs + practises that meet our individual needs.