Chapter 5 - Secularization Theory

Berger: internal causes of Secularization

- Protestant reformation: (opened things up for individualism) abandoned church sacraments, priesthood authority, miracles

Types of Secularization

1. Societal: shrinking relevance of the values institutionalized in church religion for the integration and legitimation of every day life in modern society 2. Organizational: modernization of religion ie: drums in church 3. Individual: decline in involvement in churches and denominations

Opponents

America

Secularization

Process by which religion and the sacred gradually have less validity influence and significance in society and the lives of individuals

Bryan Wilson

Decline in the significance of religion in the operation of social systems

Critique: Jose Casonova

Deprivatization of religion: comments in media

Proponents

Europe

Bruce: social differentiation

Harder to share common world view as they abandon traction and become more specialized

Berger: subjectivization

Individual legitimize what is true based on personal experience and emotions

Critiques of Secularization: Jeffrey Hadden

More a proposition than a theory Strong public presence of religion around the world Religion front and centre of news

Berger: marketing religion

Weakens credibility Who has the best music, sermons, social events etc.

Steve Bruce

Pluralism and individualism makes it difficult for religions to survive Community helps you maintain the beliefs of your faith and practices

Berger: external causes of Secularization

Pluralism: freedom of religion and all religions are at par with one another. No one religion governing cities, institutions etc Privatization of religion: individuals identify with religion as private and personal. What's at the heart of the individual and how they feel Ie: no longer tolerable that political figures mention their religious beliefs and the influence it has on their political views

Critique: Rodney Stark

Secularization is not universal. Some have increased belief despite church attendance (despite Bruce arguing church attendance reflects religiosity) Religion and science coexist. More believers in hard science vs soft

Peter Berger

Secularization is societal

Wilson: societalization

Shift from tradition/religion to individual/rationalism Which results in demoralization: less religious = more selfish, poor manners, higher crime, higher social division. Less religious worse people Do you need to be religious to be moral ?

Bruce: structural differentiation

Synonyms with societal Secularization