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
