Postmodernity, Religon, & Secularisation

Key features of religion in postmodern society (Lyotard, Baudrillard)

Decline of metanarratives, individuals pick and mix beliefs, rise of spiritual shopping

(Hervieu-Léger)

What does Bauman say about postmodernity

Identity becomes fluid, religion becomes a consumer product

Stark & Bainbridge - Religious Market theory

Religion operates like a market, decline leads to renewal, competition produces higher participation

Lyon’s ‘Disneyfication’ of religion

Religion becomes consumerist, media-based, de-institutionalised

(eg. televangelism, online worship)

What is meant by secularisation?

Long term decline in the importance, influence and practice of religion

Evidence for secularisation in the UK

Declining church attendance, fewer baptisms, declining clergy numbers, growing religious diversity

Arguments against secularisation

Growth of new religious movements, individualised spirituality, privatised religion rather than disappearing of religion