Post-modern perspectives on Secularisation

What do post-modernists argue about secularisation as a whole?

They challenge the secularisation theory as it is eurocentric; religion is present across the world

• They argue religion isn’t declining in a LINEAR way; it is adapting and changing within society since their is cultural diversity

What does Lyon argue about the decline of religion in post-modern society?

Religion has changed society in different ways:

• Globalisation & Tech: Religion has become dis-embedded from physical places of worship and ideas float freely. Religious leaders use the internet and beliefs have become less heirachal since they’re not being gatekeeped

• Re-enchantment of the world: Challenges Weber’s idea of increased rationality as new forms of spirituality has emerged, so less people trust science, e.g; crystals, witchcraft and astrology

• New Age Movement: The movement away from religion as an authoritative institution and focuses more on the individual, and prioritises spiritual development, agency and the growth of the ‘inner-self’

What does Ledger argue about the decline of religion in post-modern society?

Religious beliefs are a site of consumerism (called spiritual shopping) as you pay for subscriptions on apps and purchase expensive books

• Spending wealth is legitimises and religion isn’t a source of collective identity and solidarity

• There is a rise of individualised spirituality as people pick and choose which part of their religion to buy into

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