Theories of Religion - Postmodernism Flashcards
What do postmodernists argue society has changed into?
Argue society has changed into a postmodern society
What do postmodernists argue has happened to religion in a postmodern society?
Decline in traditional religious institutions
Religious pluralism
Religion is more individualised
In the past what did traditional religious institutions claim?
Traditional religious institutions like the Church, claimed a monopoly of truth
claiming their religion offers the only truth and everybody should believe it
What do postmodernists refer to traditional religions as in a postmodern society?
In a postmodern society, traditional religions are meta-narratives (big stories)
-people question their claim to truth
What has the loss of faith in meta-narratives led to?
Led to a ‘crisis in meaning’ with growing numbers of people turning to alternatives such as New Age Movements to fill this ‘vacuum of meaning’
e.g. crystal therapy
Reiki
colour therapy
What is religious pluralism?
Many different religions to choose from
What do postmodernists argue about truth?
Argue that truth is relative
There is no longer one dominant religion offering one ‘truth’ instead there are many different religions offering different ‘truths’ and it is down to the individual to choose what they believe in
What do postmodernists argue religion is now part of?
Religion is now part of our consumption - we purchase religion like any other product
What do postmodernists mean by ‘spiritual shoppers’?
Individuals shopping around for a religion that suits our personal tastes and identities
What has religious pluralism led to?
Religious pluralism has led to competition between religions, which undermines their credibility
reduces how much we believe in each religion because they are all acting like businesses
What has reducing religion to a commodity led to?
Makes religion less significant and individuals become less committed
What does it mean for religion to be individualised?
Tailored to the needs and wishes of individuals
Individuals choose beliefs that work for them in their personal lives
What does it mean for religion to be syncretic?
Religion is no longer ‘pure’
We no longer follow just one religion, instead we ‘pick n mix’ different religions according to our personal identities and lives
