Secularisation

Question 1

what does Wilson believe about the growth of rationalisation and the desacrilation of religion?

Answer 1

rational thinking in the shape of science has replaced religion in society, science is now a means whereby phenomena, previously explained by religion has been explained, e.g. creation of the world
as society has progressed it has become more rational in its claims, it has developed the ability to solve social problems, this means religion has lost another function in taking care of the poor

Question 2

criticisms of Wilson

Answer 2

there is an overemphasis on the importance of rationalisation in society, in social attitudes survey 70% of people profess a belief in God

Question 3

what does Parsons believe about the structural and social differentiation and modernity

Answer 3

church has lost functions during evolution of society, social institutions have lost functions but not importance, religion is an opportunity to give value and meaning to social life

Question 4

Jose Casanova says the separation of state and economic activity and religion as a result of which four things?

Answer 4

1. protestant reformation- undermined authority of religion
2. the establishment of modern nation state with sovereigns that would not contest to the outside authority of the church
3. growth of modern capitalism with the church no longer in charge
4. scientific revolution which undermines the monopoly of truth and therefore the church lost credibility

Question 5

criticisms of casanova

Answer 5

religion does still play a role in the public sphere and not just relegated to the private sphere

• religion still does help to provide for the poor
• the media (powerful social agent) still turns to religion for opinion in some stories as a manner of acceptability
• national religious ceremonies still play an important part in society e.g. funeral of Diana

Question 6

what is meant by the term societalisation?

Answer 6

the process whereby social life becomes fragmented and ceases to be locally based due to the lack of close knit communities and domination from large impersonal bureaucracies

Question 7

in which three ways does societalisation undermine religion?

Answer 7

1. church is no longer focal point for communities
2. people turn to other widely available services for guidance, not religion
3. cultural diversity means an influx of beliefs which undermines the authority of beliefs

Question 8

what does Wilson belive about religious pluralism?

Answer 8

no longer one religion in society, undermines belief, seen as an expression of ability to choose

Question 9

what does Wilson believe are the two sources of religious pluralism in society?

Answer 9

1. ethnicity and religious diversity- religion is only important for individuals as a means of cultural transition or defence
2. the growth of sects and NRMs- (BRUCE) proof of fragmentation in society, these organisations are a last refuge of supernatural in secular society but are short lives

Question 10

Criticisms of Wilsons beliefs on religious pluralism

Answer 10

• Greerly and Nelson- NRMs are proof of religious revival in society, meet spiritual needs
• Glock and Bellah- people require ‘personal meanings of fulfilment’ and are seeking alternatives to scientific rationalism