Secularisation

Question 1

What percentage of the adult population in Britain attend church on Sundays?

Answer 1

40%

Question 2

What proportion of weddings now take place in church?

Answer 2

30%

Question 3

Why did Weber think that the protestant Reformation led to the ‘Disenchantment’ of the world?

Answer 3

Because of the rise of rationality and the growth of science and technology.

Question 4

What term is used to describe a society containing a wide variety of religious groups?

Answer 4

A pluralist society, containing religious diversity.

Question 5

What does Berger mean by the ‘Sacred Copy’?

Answer 5

Where one faith and one set of beliefs covers the whole society and is shared by all.

Question 6

Explain what is meant by ‘Disengagement’.

Answer 6

The influence and functions of religion are transferred to other institutions, such as
education and welfare.

Question 7

What is meant by the term ‘Cultural Transition’?

Answer 7

Where religion provides support and a sense of community for migrants and minority ethnic
groups.

Question 8

Explain what is meant by ‘Secularisation From Within’/

Answer 8

Traditional Christian beliefs and glorifying God declines and religion is ‘psychologised’ or
turned into a form of therapy. The purpose of religion changes from seeking salvation in
heaven to seeking personal improvement in this world.