‘Religion has become less important in people’s lives.’ Evaluate this view
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2022
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the secularization thesis and its central claim about religion's declining importance. State your stance on the essay question (whether you agree, disagree, or take a nuanced approach) and briefly outline the arguments you will explore.
Secularization and Declining Influence of Established Religions
Explain the secularization thesis: Define secularization and its key arguments about the declining social and cultural influence of religion in modern societies.
Evidence of Decline: Discuss evidence supporting secularization, focusing on:
- Decreased religious authority in state institutions.
- Falling membership in established churches.
- The rise of alternative belief systems (e.g., secular humanism).
- Challenges to religious beliefs from science and rationality.
Geographical Variations: Acknowledge that secularization trends are not uniform. Note that the decline of established religions is more prominent in Western societies compared to other parts of the world.
Challenges to the Secularization Thesis
Religious Resurgence: Present counter-arguments to the secularization thesis by highlighting examples of religious persistence and revival:
- Continued influence of Catholicism in certain European countries.
- The rise of evangelical movements and their political and cultural impact, particularly in the US.
- Growth of new religious movements and New Age spirituality, indicating a continuing search for meaning and belonging.
The Complexity of Religiosity
Difficult to Measure: Discuss the challenges of measuring religiosity and comparing it across different time periods. Note the lack of reliable historical data on religious belief and practice.
Privatized Religion: Address the argument that religion might be becoming more privatized. While public religious observance might be declining, personal belief and spirituality might persist.
Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Organizations
Religious Innovation: Explain how religious organizations are adapting to modern society by:
- Engaging in social and political activism.
- Embracing technology and new forms of outreach.
- Focusing on community building and providing social services.
Conclusion
Summarize your evaluation of the statement "Religion has become less important in people's lives." Reaffirm your stance while acknowledging the complexity of the issue. Emphasize that while the influence of traditional religious institutions may be waning in some contexts, religion in various forms continues to hold significance in the lives of many.
Evaluating the Declining Importance of Religion in People's Lives
The notion that "religion has become less important in people’s lives" aligns with the secularisation thesis, which posits a decline in the influence and societal role of religion, particularly established religions, within modern industrial societies. This essay will evaluate this view, considering both the arguments supporting and challenging it.
Evidence Supporting the Declining Importance of Religion
There is substantial evidence to suggest that established religions have indeed waned in several respects, particularly in Western societies.
Firstly, established religions have largely lost their once-central position within state institutions. In many Western nations, the separation of church and state has led to a decline in the political influence of religious organizations. For instance, in the UK, while the Church of England retains some formal links to the state, its role in government and lawmaking has significantly diminished compared to previous centuries.
Secondly, many established religious organizations are experiencing declining membership. Studies by organisations such as the Pew Research Center consistently show a downward trend in religious affiliation, particularly among younger generations in Europe and North America (Pew Research Center, 2018). This suggests a growing indifference or even aversion to traditional forms of religious belief and practice.
Thirdly, established religions face increasing competition from alternative belief systems and the challenges posed by science. The rise of secular humanism, atheism, and the increasing acceptance of scientific explanations for natural phenomena have eroded the traditional authority of religious institutions on matters of morality, cosmology, and the human condition.
Finally, the social and cultural significance of religion has diminished in many societies. This is evident in the declining attendance at religious services, the secularization of education and healthcare, and the decreasing influence of religious values on personal morality and social norms.
Arguments Against the Declining Importance of Religion
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the secularisation thesis and recognize that the relationship between religion and society is complex and constantly evolving.
Firstly, the declining influence of established religions does not necessarily equate to the disappearance of religious belief and practice altogether. While traditional denominations might be losing ground, new religious movements (NRMs) and spiritualities have emerged, attracting individuals seeking alternative forms of meaning and belonging. The growth of Evangelical Christianity in the US and Pentecostalism globally exemplifies this trend, demonstrating the continuing appeal of fervent religious commitment.
Secondly, the secularisation thesis primarily applies to Western, industrialized nations and cannot be universally applied. Religion continues to play a central role in the lives of billions globally, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia. For instance, Catholicism remains deeply influential in many parts of Latin America, shaping social norms and political discourse.
Thirdly, assessing "religiosity" is complex and subjective. Declining church attendance does not necessarily equate to a complete abandonment of religious belief. Many individuals maintain personal faith and spiritual practices without formal affiliation to religious institutions. Additionally, religion might manifest differently across cultures and historical periods, making comparisons and generalizations challenging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is compelling evidence to suggest that religion, particularly in its established forms, has become less influential in certain aspects of modern life, it is premature to declare its demise. The secularisation thesis provides a valuable framework for understanding the changing role of religion, but it is crucial to acknowledge its limitations and recognize the diverse and evolving nature of religious belief and practice globally. Religion continues to offer meaning, community, and a framework for understanding the world for billions. Therefore, while its expression and social influence may be transforming, religion remains a significant force in the 21st century.
Sources
- Pew Research Center. (2018). The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Evaluate the view that "Religion has become less important in people’s lives."
This question can be answered by considering the secularisation thesis which claims that religion (particularly established religions) has lost influence and social role in modern industrial societies. Established religions have declined in a number of respects, it can be argued:
- Loss of position within the institutions of the state
- Declining membership
- Competition from alternative belief systems and the challenges to spiritual belief posed by science
- Loss of position within the community
It is western societies primarily where the declining influence of established religious organisations has occurred. The extent of the decline can, however, be debated and arguments against the secularisation thesis are likely to feature in good evaluative responses to the question.
Another line of analysis a candidate might take would be to consider whether the view expressed in the question is true of all religious organisations today. Catholicism, for example, remains a powerful influence in some European countries and this might be contrasted with the arguably weaker position of the Church of England in the UK today. Likewise, the Evangelical movement is proving a powerful force culturally and politically in many parts of the US presently. The growth of new religious movements and new age thinking might also be explored as a way of questioning the view expressed in the question.
For:
- In western societies particularly, religious organisations are less involved in public life and in the institutions of the state today.
- The social and cultural significance of religion has declined in many countries.
- Falling membership of religious organisations and competition from other belief systems.
- The authority of religious organisations to decide key issues of morality has been challenged; religion is just one voice among many when issues of this kind are debated today.
- Consumerism is a stronger influence in people’s lives today than religion.
- Science and rationalisation have undermined belief in religion.
- Religious practice has become more privatised, losing much of its cultural and social significance.
Against:
- There is some evidence of religious revival in western societies.
- Religious organisations remain a powerful influence in some societies.
- Some religious organisations appear to be gaining power (Evangelism in the US, for example).
- For some communities, religion remains a central part of social and cultural life.
Claims that people are less religious than in the past can be questioned. For example, there is a lack of evidence about how religious people were in previous periods. The concept of religiosity is also difficult to explain and operationalize.
- Many religious organisations are seeking to rejuvenate themselves by, for example, renewing their involvement in the community and engaging more in social and political issues.
- There has been a growth in membership of new religious movements.
- New forms of spirituality have emerged and they gain support among people who appear to be looking for the guidance and support that religious organisations traditionally provided.