Postmodernism

• How is religious belief and practice changing in society today?

  It is evolving due to societal developments.
• What does increased religious diversity in society encourage?

  Greater involvement in religion.
• What do the arguments against secularization suggest?

  Secularization may not be occurring significantly.
• What characterizes the transition from modernity to postmodernity?

  • Loss of confidence in meta-narratives
  • Shift from grand theories to individual beliefs
• Who sees postmodern society as characterized by loss of confidence in meta-narratives?

  Lyotard (1984)
• What are some key features of postmodern society according to Lyon?

  Individualism, consumerism, media, globalisation.
• What concept does Grace Davie introduce regarding belief in religion?

  Believing without belonging.
• How does Davie describe the trend of 'vicarious religion'?


  Practiced by a minority for the majority.
• What does the census data show about Christians in relation to church attendance?

  72% identify as Christians, lower attendance.
• What does Davie argue about the church's role in society?

  It provides ritual support when needed.
• How does Davie critique secularization theory?

  It assumes uniform decline of religion.
• What do Voas and Crockett (2005) argue against Davie's claims?

  Both church attendance and belief are declining.
• What does Bruce (2001) suggest about church attendance and belief?

  Declining attendance reflects declining belief.
• What did Abby Day (2007) find about the term 'Christian' among interviewees?

  Used to denote ethnic identity, not faith.
• How has the Anglican Church responded to views on homosexuality?

  Adopted a 'wait and see' attitude.
• What does 'spiritual shopping' refer to in Davie's argument?

  Personal choice in religious consumption.
• What has changed regarding infant baptism in England and France?

  It is now less obligatory than before.
• What does Hervieu-Leger (2000) say about traditional religion's influence?

  It is no longer passed down generations.
• How does Hervieu-Leger describe young people's religious identity?

  They are ignorant of traditional religion.
• What does Lyon (2000) argue about the current state of religion?

  We are in a period of re-enchantment.
• What does Ammerman’s (1987) study illustrate about religious consumption?

  Families mix different religious practices.
• How has the internet affected religious practices?

  It allows for online and cyber religion.
• What does Hoover (2004) argue about online religion?

  It supplements rather than replaces church activities.
• What are the criticisms of postmodernist views on religion?

  • Choice in religion is not equal.
  • Social class, ethnicity, and gender affect choices.
  • Postmodern theory does not explain religion's nature.
• What do radical feminists and classical Marxists argue about religion?

  It instills capitalist and patriarchal ideologies.
• What does Bruce argue about New Age movements?

  They cannot replace traditional religion.
• What does the conclusion about postmodernism suggest regarding religion?

  It provides contemporary understanding of religion.