postmodernist- beliefs topid

What is Postmodernity in the context of religion?

A period characterized by a decline in traditional religious authority, greater religious diversity, individual choice, pick

What are the main characteristics of globalisation that influence postmodern religion?

Increased global interconnectedness, technological advances, rapid exchange of information, growth of transnational companies, weakened nation- state power and the spread of ideas via social media and the internet.

How did family types change across Pre Modernity, Modernity, and Postmodernity?

Pre-Modernity was dominated by large extended families; Modernity was dominated by the nuclear family; Postmodernity is characterized by family diversity.

How did religiosity change across Pre

Modernity, Modernity, and Postmodernity?

What are the 6 key characteristics of Postmodernism?

Pick and mix, consumption, decline in tradition, diversity, individualism, and choice.

What does Davie mean by 'Believing Without Belonging'?

The idea that traditional physical church attendance has declined, but individuals remain religious and practice their faith in alternative, individual ways without formal church membership.

What is 'Vicarious Religion' according to Davie?

A pattern where an active minority practices religion on behalf of the greater majority, while the majority still values and appreciates the presence of religious institutions.

How does Davie explain the concept of the 'Spiritual Health Service'?

Churches function like the NHS: most people do not use them daily, but rely heavily on them during personal or national crises, as well as for life ceremonies like weddings and funerals.

What are real world examples of Vicarious or Disembedded Religion?

GodTV, online prayer request websites, YouTube streams of religious services, and religious apps.

What is 'Cultural Amnesia' according to Hervieu Léger?

The loss of collective religious memory that occurs when parents stop passing down traditional religious beliefs and practices to their children, leaving younger generations without an inherited religious identity.

What is 'Spiritual Shopping' according to Hervieu Léger?

A process where individuals become consumers of religion, picking and choosing aspects of different beliefs and spiritual practices that fit their personal lifestyle (e.g., reading horoscopes, practicing yoga, attending church at Christmas).

What is Lyon's concept of 'Jesus in Disneyland'?

The idea that religion has become disembedded and de-institutionalized (taken out of traditional settings like churches) and integrated into popular culture and consumer spaces, such as Christian festivals at Disneyland.

What does Lyon mean by 'Disembedded Religion'?

Religion that is removed from its original physical location or traditional institutional setting and made accessible through media, global events, or the internet.

What is a 'Meta narrative' according to Lyon?

An all-encompassing overarching story or worldview (such as a major world religion) that claims to hold the ultimate truth.

Why does the growth of multiple meta narratives lead to 'Re- enchantment’

Exposure to many competing truth claims makes people skeptical of any single religion, leading them away from dogma and toward personal spiritual shopping and alternative practices.

What is 'Religious Market Theory' proposed by Stark and Bainbridge?

The theory that religions operate like businesses in a marketplace; a monopoly causes stagnation, whereas competition among diverse religions forces groups to market themselves effectively to attract 'customers'.

According to Stark and Bainbridge, how does religious competition affect participation?

Competition forces religions to become more responsive and appealing to consumers (e.g., using apps or specific marketing), which increases overall religious participation.

What is 'Existential Security Theory' proposed by Norris and Inglehart?

The theory that religiosity is driven by feelings of insecurity; individuals who face greater risks to their survival are more likely to seek comfort and explanation in religion.

According to Norris and Inglehart, who is most likely to be religious?

People living in conditions of low existential security, such as those experiencing war, poverty, natural disasters, severe inequality, or illness.

According to Norris and Inglehart, why are high security societies less religious?

People living in conditions of low existential security, such as those experiencing war, poverty, natural disasters, severe inequality, or illness.

What is 'Televangelism' and how does it fit Postmodernism?

The broadcasting of religious services and preaching via television, allowing individuals to consume religious content at home without attending a local church.

What is the difference between a 'Resistant Identity' and a 'Project Identity' in globalized religion?

A resistant identity retreats into traditional or fundamentalist beliefs to resist global change, whereas a project identity adapts beliefs to engage with modern social movements and lifestyle choices.

How does global communication technology impact religious practices?

It allows religious ideas to spread globally independent of location, enabling online services, apps, and globalized spiritual communities.

What is 'De -institutionalisation' of religion?´

The shift of religious practices away from established formal institutions (like traditional church hierarchies) toward personalized, fragmented, or media-driven forms.

How do critics evaluate the Postmodern view that religion is taking new forms?

Critics argue that trends like spiritual shopping and low church attendance do not represent new forms of belief, but rather evidence of secularisation (the overall decline of religion's influence in society).