wilson - belonging (instituitions), behaving (practices), and believing (thinking) are lost
explanations for secularisation
weber - rational ways of thinking and acting replace religious ways
explanations for secularisation
western societies have undergone a process of rationalism which undermines the religious worldview
explanations for secularisation
weber - rationalism caused disenchantment - role of religion, magic, superstitions, and faith become less important in society
explanations for secularisation
technology and science - gives more rational explanations for things that happen
arguments against secularisation
heelas - spiritual revolution/resacrillisation of consciousness - return of religion in life
arguments against secularisation
davie - privatisation of beliefs - 'believing without belonging' - people maintain religious beliefs but choose to keep it private
church attendance doesnt correlate religiosity, there are other ways of practising
arguments against secularisation
stark and bainbridge - religious markets 'compete for competitors' and offer a wide range of choices
individuals make rational choices based on the costs and benefits of available religious options
increased competition between organisations = religious changes = relives belief in religion
arguments against secularisation
people are inherently religious, seeking supernatural meaning and comfort - religion meets human needs
arguments against secularisation
norris and inglehart - religion is a key part of society where there is a lack of economic security
explains why developing countries have retained high levels of religiosity whilst western countries have a good deal of material insecurity and religion fills the void as a compensator
X eurocentric theory - is it relevant globally?
X religion isn't declining, it's changing its form
davie - from 'believing without belonging' to 'from obligation to consumption'
X one sided theory - focuses on decline and ignores religious revivals and growth of new religions
X evidence of failing church attendance ignores people who believe but don't go to church