secularisation - religious pluralism

Question 1

what is religious pluralism?

Answer 1

the fragmentation of monolithic religion into hundreds of religions competing with each other.

Question 2

how does religious pluralism link to secularisation?

Answer 2

the argument is that a truly religious society has one church and one faith. because one religious belief / organisation can no longer claim to hold a monopoly of truth or to have the support of most members of society, religious pluralism can be used to prove that secularisation has occurred.

Question 3

support for religious pluralism

Answer 3

• Bruce argues that industrialisation fragmented society into a market-place of religions. There is a greater choice of religions. (Postmodern ideas)
• Wilson argues that competition between religion undermines their credibility because they can no longer take loyalty for granted as they compete for ‘spiritual shoppers’. (Postmodern ideas)
• Wilson - Religion no longer promotes value consensus or social solidarity, so no longer acts as an integrating force in society. (Against Functionalist ideas)

Question 4

against religious pluralism

Answer 4

A growth of different types of religion means that religion is still valued and important.

Perhaps we are seeing:
A religious revival (religion is coming back and is important again).
Resacrilisation - interest and belief in the scared are coming back. There is a religious revival.
Religion as a compensator – NAMs and NRMs are becoming important in meeting the needs of individuals (Stark and Bainbridge).