There is a sociological debate about secularization, or the process of decline in the influence of religion. Some argue that religion is a less prominent force in the world today, whereas others argue that it has remained a prominent force.
I agree with bits and pieces of both sides of the argument because I think religion is still a very powerful force in society, although it may not be as centrally displayed in society.
For example, the church used to be at the center of society and determine the functioning of government and family structures. I think this is less popular nowadays as many people attend church as a supplement to their lives rather than the central force that governs their lives (especially in terms of their work, socialization, children, extracurricular activities etc.) In this manner, I do not think churches have such a dominating role in society as they used to. Furthermore, I think our society has become more religiously diverse, so people attempt to be conscious of this by not discussing religion. For example, when the holiday season rolls around, particularly in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, people are less likely to offer a, "Merry Christmas" than a, "Happy Holidays" out of social consciousness and the risk of offending someone since society has become so diverse. I have noticed, however, that when I visit my grandparents in Northeastern Ohio, that everyone says, "Merry Christmas" because there is hardly any diversity there.
Does the decline in the role of the church and the modernization of society mean that people have become less religious? I do not think so. In fact, as the textbook states, there have been many religious movements, which have brought about more religions and practices, such as World-affirming movements, which focus on promoting an individual's spiritual well-being rather than performing strict religious rituals, and has initiated the founding of Scientology. Additionally, world-accommodating movements have occurred, which allow people to continue their lives with little disturbance while being reminded of religious meaning, such as in Christianity's Pentecostalism.
This wider and more flexible access to religion may in fact promote its importance to people. There is also evidence of religious importance increasing in poorer countries where hardship is prevalent, although it has declined in wealthier countries in Western Europe. Since people often turn to religion to find purpose, meaning, and guidance, I think it will always have a place in society, especially when times are tough.
Some would contend that religion is just changing with the times; that is, that religion isn't actually fading, but it's seeking to become relevant to the younger generation who is less ritualistic. They're a better educated group that is unimpressed with warnings of being punished for sinning, claims that they're going to hell, and promises of a utopia in dying and going to heaven. Richard Bobys
ReplyDeleteHello Dr. Bobys,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I agree with what you wrote, and I feel that I am part of the younger group that you have described. I cannot help but hope that religion continues to evolve because rigid and traditional practices can feel oppressive, especially in certain churches where women's roles are kept to a minimum.
I think that some churches already are evolving and seek to captivate young people, especially with the promotion of extracurricular activities, youth groups, community events, and fundraisers.
I also feel that our population is diversifying and perhaps churches should accept and welcome people instead of telling them that are wrong if they do not think and act in a certain way.
I think that religion has become a "taboo" topic that people rarely discuss out of the risk of offending someone since there are many different beliefs and practices, which may be a disadvantage to churches, but I think it's true that competition among religious groups motivates churches to work harder to win followers.
Religion has lasted a long time, so I think it will continue to do so, but perhaps we will see its formality shift, or maybe we won't because that will make it all the more of a sacred refuge from society.