Secularisation

Question 1

Explanations - secularisation + decline of religion often linked to major social changes

Answer 1

Rationalisation - process by which rational ways of thinking/acting come to replace religious ones. Argues W society has undergone a process of rationalisation in the last few centuries.
Desacralisation - loss of sacredness - the cross now jewellery item, churches turned into pubs/shops however other things have become sacred
Disengagement - religion is pure, less influential in social life eduction etc. however poverty work, faith schools, still part of national curriculum still 21 bishops is House of Lords
Pluralism - no over riding religion multiple religions (competing for truth) no single sacred canopy however if there are religions people must be religious.

Question 2

Criticisms

Answer 2

Myth of the golden age - in the past religion enforce by law, heresy + blasphemy laws = not about belief
Attendance stats - does not measure irregular attendance, still based on estimates. Catholics underestimate attendance (capitation fee), C of E overestimate attendance (want to keep church open, lack of people going)
Some go for social reasons (elderly)
Believing but not belonging

Question 3

Facts

Answer 3

The process whereby religious beliefs, practices + institutions lose social significance.
2001- 15% of pop not religious 2011- 25% of pop not religious

State taken over many functions church used to perform e.g. Schooling

Attendance - 1851-40% now-5%