Reasons for Occuring

• What is secularisation?

  The process of losing religious influence
• What percentage of Britain's adult population attended Church in 1851?

  40%
• What does Max Weber associate with the process of secularisation?

  Rationalisation, structural differentiation, and religious diversity
• What is rationalisation according to Max Weber?

  Replacing religious thinking with rational thought
• How did the Protestant Reformation affect the Catholic worldview?

  It replaced it with a rational scientific outlook
• How did the medieval Catholic worldview perceive the world?

  As an enchanted garden with supernatural powers
• What does the term 'disenchanted' mean in Weber's context?

  The world operates according to natural laws
• How does rationality affect the need for religion?

  It reduces the need for religious explanations
• In what context does religion still play a significant role according to Bruce?

  In less developed countries with ineffective technology
• What conclusion does Bruce draw about scientific explanations and religion?

  They reduce the scope for religious explanations
• What do postmodernists like Lyon argue about secularisation?

  We are experiencing a re-enchantment with new beliefs
• What does structural differentiation refer to?

  The separation of Church from State
• How does structural differentiation affect religion in society?

  It leads to the disengagement of religion
• What does Bruce say about the Church's functions in society?

  They have become privatised and personal
• What does Casanova argue about religion's role in society?

  It influences society as a whole, not just individuals
• What does Berger's religious diversity argument state?

  Competing religious institutions reduce overall power
• What was the Catholic Church's status in the Middle Ages?

  It held an absolute monopoly on faith
• How did the Protestant Reformation affect religious competition?

  It increased the number of religious organisations
• What does Berger say about the crisis of credibility for religion?

  Religious diversity undermines religion's plausibility
• How does religious belief become relative according to Berger?

  It creates personal viewpoints on truth
• What does Beckford argue about religious diversity?

  It may strengthen commitment to beliefs
• What counter trends does Bruce identify against secularisation?

  Cultural defence and cultural transition
• How does religion serve during cultural defence?

  As a focal point for group identity
• What does Stark and Bainbridge argue about the secularisation debate?

  It is Eurocentric and overlooks global influences
• What is a criticism of the secularisation debate regarding definitions?

  There are no set definitions of religion or secularisation
• What does the inclusivist definition of religion include?

  Various movements like Marxism and football
• What is a limitation of measuring religiosity?

  It lacks reliability and validity
• What are the main arguments for secularisation according to Weber, Parsons, and Berger?

  • Rationalisation: Shift from religious to rational thinking
  • Structural Differentiation: Separation of Church and State
  • Religious Diversity: Competing beliefs reduce religion's power
• What are the criticisms of the secularisation debate?

  • Eurocentric perspective
  • Focus on Christianity only
  • Lack of clear definitions
  • Reliability and validity issues in measuring religiosity