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Secularisation
The process of society moving away from religion
This can be movement from official/public forms
Eg rituals or private forms
Eg beliefs
Secularism
-Belief that secularisation is a benefit to society
Dawkins
Dawkins: scientist and strong supporter of atheism. Passionate about the scientific method- an approach to gaining knowledge focused on evidence-based reasoning, observation and experimentation.
Alister McGrath and Joanna Collicutt McGrath
passionate about evidence and also maintain Christian faith arguing it works with the discoveries of science.
There is evidence of Christianity still in the U K today e.g.
Parish borders remain
Churches seen all throughout the country - C of E churches, also RC, Baptist, evangelical etc
Faith schools
Key role in communities- even if church attendance has decreased, Christianity is still prevalent in the local communities e.g. food banks, youth clubs,
Huge cathedrals- studies have shown growth in visitors, worshippers etc to these
"for centuries, the parish determined the parameters of life for the great majority of British people from the cradle to the grave. Its significance has diminished over time, but the residues still resonate, sometimes in unexpected ways" - G Davie
Britain is now regularly spoken of as a secular country with a secular state, yet it still has an established church, and the majority of Britons still call themselves
'Christian"" - L Woodhead
Customs with a Christian foundation
-Many customs and traditions in the UK have a foundation in Christianity. For example:
-"Keep holy the Sabbath Day" - how can we see this still reflected today in the UK?
-"Keep holy the Sabbath Day" can be still seen today as Christians traditionally go to church on a Sunday and to allow employees time for family & worships
-trading hours in shops are restricted on a Sunday.
-In Parliament there are two houses: Commons which is formed of elected MPs and Lords which is formed of members, not elected.
>The two types of members are Lords Temporal (appointed by the monarch) and Lords Spiritual (26 of the most senior Church of England bishops).
>UK law is influenced by Christianity due to Parliament containing Church of England bishops (eg thou shall not kill)
>Meetings of both Houses open with Christian prayers.
-You will often find a Christian presence through chaplains in different areas of social life (Healthcare, prison)
-Christian festivals influence the UK as shops are often closed and schools have holidays around them
>but other religious groups are allowed to celebrate their festivals eg Eid al-Fitr (multi faith)
>we have a bonfire not, not very religious
-77% of Brits claim there are things cant be explained through silence
BUT
-Legal marriage is required for spousal privilege (inheritance)
-G Davie "the centre of British society is gradually shifting away from Christianity, but remains deeply coloured by it"
>from 2001-2011 there was a huge increase in atheism (Dawkins, New Atheism) 14%-25.1%
>Christianity decreased from 71.7% -59.3% (doesnt reflect level of involvement)
>Islam rose 3%-4.8% (migration)
>only 15% claim to have gone to their POW regularly
-15% increase in saying they dont believe in god
>half view themselves as not belonging to a religion
>the older you are the more affiliated you are with religion statistically (could die out)
Factors influencing the success of religious denomenations
Religious viability: religion continues to be popular in other forms.
De-privatisation: religion has brought about positive social change, it is not just a private personal belief. Moving religion away from it being private
Globalisation- Christianity can be boosted in some places due to transnational religious movements
Rational choice: because there is less state regulation, religion thrives. The decline of the state church isn’t the same as the decline of Christianity (RCCG)
Gender: views on gender roles can explain the success/failure of individual denominations
Nature of modernity: different ways of being ‘modern’. Religion can be a source when science doesn’t give a solution.
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Positives of secularisation:
• Some argue it allows for a more humane society. It is natural and good as often religion is associated with violent, authority and control. However, science is associated with progress, humanity and tolerance.
• Many argue that the more modern society becomes, the less religious it will be- the two are incompatible!
Christianity has resisted secularisation
• ‘Modern science’ has not really helped with issues like health care, famine or global warming.
• Believers and those with no religion often come together: the boundaries are not always strong e.g. Occupy movement; protesting the excesses of global capitalism. Moved to the grounds of St Paul’s cathedral hoping the church would be an ally with their cause. It was a social cause that brought together religious and non-religious people.
• It means faith has more meaning- secularisation has meant that religion is seen less as a duty but as a choice
• Lots of religious movements are progression and ‘modern’ e.g. Street Pastor movement- church response to urban needs. Helping those at night with volunteers, not to convert people. A listening ear. They are widespread in over 300 towns.
“The U.K. can be called a Christian country” To what extent do you agree?
Themes | The UK/ Britain is a Christian country | The UK/ Britain is no longer a Christian country | Judgement |
Church attendance | Cathedral worship is growing Many use churches at a time of transition- funeral, wedding. Even most small remote rural villages have a church There are many active and growing churches with contemporary worship (Holy Trinity Brompton) | Appeal to Church attendance figures- Only 5% attend church regularly Empty churches are for sale e.g. a church in the UK is being turned into a mosque Secular marriages and funerals are on the rise. | L Woodhead “Britain… exists somewhere in between Christian, multi-faith and none” Many identify as Christian but are less active in the community. |
Public lifeand culture | Head of state is head of the church and bishops play a role in the house of the lords Literature and media is permeated with Christian themes e.g
Christmas and Easter holidays and decorations. E.g. Christmas lights across towns and cities. | G. Davie “The centre of British society is gradually shifting away from Christianity, but remains deeply coloured by it.”
New Atheism has received literary nd media attention.
Christians sometimes feel restricted in the UK- the banning of the Lord’s prayer advert before Star Wars in 2015.
Other festivals e.g. Bonfire night and Carnival celebrate the diversity of modern Britain and do not focus on a religion. There are also days for non-religious groups e.g. World Humanist Day
Some Christians find themselves marginalised because of their beliefs: e.g. Nadia Ewida suspended by British Airways for not covering her crucifix. Other religious groups are allowed to celebrate their festivals e.g. Eid al-Fitr. These celebrations remind us that the UK is a multi-faith country.
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Schools | Approximately 1/3 of schools in the UK have a faith affiliation. This results in some power to a faith criterion for subscription and to teach RE in their own way. |
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“Faith schools should no longer exist in the UK” To what extent do you agree?
What is the difference between secularism as a fact and secularism as an ideology?
Secularism as a fact refers to the reality of religious plurality and the separation of religion from state in society. It acknowledges that modern societies are diverse, with multiple religions and non-religious beliefs coexisting. This is a descriptive concept.
Secularism as an ideology is a prescriptive stance advocating for strict separation of religion from public life, often promoting a secular worldview as superior. It may oppose religious influence in politics, education, or other public spheres, sometimes marginalising religious practices.
An example of how the law has changed due to secularisation is how trading hours on Sunday are not longer as rigid. This shows how Christianity has potentially lost its status in society.
Faith Schools/ denominational schools
-A school associated with a religious tradition
>Design own RS curriculum, often have a mission statement
>Faith school- some of the best schools due to being funded by religion
>Most are affiliated with Christianity
>Receive some funding from religious organisations which could own the building or land
-Linda Woodhead: arguably faith is important but Woodhead says the main motivations are academic standards, location, discipline, ethical values, prestige, exposure to a faith tradition, and transmission of belief about God
-In these schools they might appoint governors to represent the religious ethos of the school.
>They can be responsible for the admission policy and appointing staff so they can hire people who adhere to the religion.
-They often prioritise people affiliated with the schools faith
>e.g. ask for a baptismal certificate or a letter from a religious leader to certify the their attendance at worship. But some have have removed this criteria because often people will attend church just to get a place over someone who lives nearer
-Faith schools must still follow the national curriculum but they can focus on their own tradition in RS
-Advantages: need met of parents wanting children with religious grounding in their education, good values, diversity and choice in educational landscape often best performing state schools
-Issues: indoctrination and lack of exposure to other religions, isn't inspected specifically by Ofstead, not an objective approach to religion, doesnt cover all religions, may exclude ethical issues From non-religious perspective.
>PSHE might teach sex and relationships components in a homophobic or gender discriminatory way. Things are taught as scientific theories e.g. creationism.
-British humanist association campaigns against faith schools: want the public to petition against eating one to acome morolic iud wants the
-They argue it contradicts the belief of a fully inclusive and integrated education system-excludes staff and students and governors based on faith.
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77% of parents choose to send their children to a faith school on the basis of academic standards, followed by 58% choosing location. Massively juxtaposes the 5% of parents who send their children there for exposure to the faith and the 3% who do it for transition of beliefs.
Do attendance numbers give an accurate impression of the strength of Christianity in the UK?
The 2011 Census numbers are not entirely accurate- the Census did not ask a fair question, asking what is your religion forces one to say they have a religion. When asked fairly in other surveys those claiming no religion rose to over half of the respondents.
Does Christianity have a positive or negative role as a public utility?
POSITIVE
Provides a moral and ethical framework
Christianity has historically provided a moral compass for societies, influencing laws, governance, and societal norms. Concepts such as human dignity, equality, and care for the vulnerable have roots in Christian teachings.
Examples include the abolitionist movement, led by Christian figures like William Wilberforce, who fought to end slavery, or the civil rights movement, where leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. drew on Christian principles.
Charitable Work and Social Services
Many Christian organisations run schools, hospitals, orphanages, and food banks. These institutions provide essential services, particularly in areas where governments may lack resources.
Globally, organisations like Caritas and World Vision address poverty, disaster relief, and development, often operating in places with little state infrastructure.
Community Building
Churches serve as centres for community cohesion, offering a sense of belonging, mutual support, and a platform for collective action.
Local congregations often organise activities such as youth programmes, elderly care, and mental health support, which benefit society beyond just church members.
Advocacy for Justice and Peace
Christianity has motivated individuals and groups to campaign for social justice, peace, and human rights. Examples include liberation theology in Latin America, which seeks to address poverty and oppression.
Cultural Contributions
Christianity has deeply influenced art, music, literature, and philosophy, enriching cultural heritage. It has also provided spaces for reflection, spirituality, and existential exploration.
NEGATIVE
Historical and Ongoing Conflicts
Christianity has sometimes been used to justify violence, oppression, and colonisation. Examples include the Crusades, the Inquisition, and missionary efforts that eroded indigenous cultures.
Tensions between Christian denominations, or between Christianity and other religions, have occasionally fostered division and conflict.
Resistance to Social Change
Certain Christian groups have opposed progressive movements, such as LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and gender equality, framing these issues as incompatible with their doctrines. This can create societal divisions and hinder inclusivity.
The perception of dogmatism or inflexibility can alienate non-Christians or secular communities.
Political Influence and Power Dynamics
In some contexts, Christianity’s close ties with political institutions have led to the suppression of dissent and the marginalisation of minority groups.
For example, the role of the Church in shaping policies on abortion or education can be contentious, particularly in pluralistic societies.
Cultural Imperialism
The spread of Christianity, particularly during colonial periods, often came at the expense of indigenous traditions, languages, and belief systems. This legacy continues to provoke debate about its impact on cultural diversity.
Exclusionary Tendencies
Some critics argue that Christianity’s exclusivist claims—that salvation is only through Christ—can foster an "us vs. them" mentality, leading to social alienation for non-Christians.
To what degree is Christianity in the DNA of UK Culture/ Is Britain still a UK country?
Yes | NO |
- Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg deliver Easter messages despite being atheists - The Monarch’s speech is delivered on Christmas Day - David Cameron declared it is - Parish borders remain- this influences marriage in churches. - Churches have been seen all throughout the country – C of E churches, also RC, Baptist, evangelical etc - Faith schools - Key role in communities- even if church attendance has decreased, Christianity is still prevalent in the local communities e.g. food banks, youth clubs - Huge cathedrals in London- used for big events like royal wedding. - the majority of Britons still call themselves ‘Christian’”- L Woodhead - Many customs and traditions in the UK have a foundation in Christianity e.g. Keep holy the Sabbath Day”- shops close early on Sundays - People in the UK often mark important events in a church, such as marriage, even if they are not religious, as it is traditional. - You will often find a Christian presence through chaplains in different areas of social life e.g. health care, prison. - Christian festivals influence the UK as shops are often closed and schools have holidays around them. - - UK Parliament create UK Laws. In Parliament there are two houses: Commons which is formed of elected MPs and Lords which is formed of members, not elected. The two types of members are Lords Temporal (appointed by themonarch) and Lords Spiritual (26 of the most senior Church of England bishops). - To pass a law, both hoses must approve. UK law is influenced by Christianity due to Parliament containing Church of England bishops. - Meetings of both Houses open with Christian prayers. - An example of a law that reflects the teachings of Christianity isDo not kill | Census Data The trends between 2001 and 2011 Christianity decreased from 71.7% to 59.3%. Atheism rose 14.8% to 25.1%. Islam rose 3% to 4.8% London was the most diverse nation with Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity being identified with. North-East and West highest proportion of Christians while Wales highest proportion of atheism. The British social attitudes survey showed that actually less that 15% report attending religious services on a weekly basis- this is RELIGIOUS, not explicitly Christianity and also potentially inflated due to people thinking they attend more than they do. This is staggeringly different to what percentage we see associated with Christianity. Arguably, we cannot say we are truly a ‘Christian country’ when figures show that very few people regularly attend church services, those affiliating with non-religious groups/atheism /agnosticism are growing and there is very little even distribution in the age of those who affiliate with the Church of England. ‘no religion’ category: Some are atheists, others are questioning the existence of God. Some even participate in religious or spiritual practices but what brings them together is not being part of a religious community. less than half of these people are atheists, most people doubt the existence of god and think maybe god exists. 60% of people identifying with no religion are 18-24 years old- meaning it is likely to expand. Half the population say that they believe in God.This study does not state if this is the Christian tradition of God based on creeds or the doctrine of the Trinity. The BBC commissioned the ORB (opinion research business) to do a survey in 2000. they discovered it might be more accurate to say the population is more spiritual. The decline of Christianity is clearly visible when looking at the number of people participating in rites such as baptism, marriage and funerals. All of these services are either declining or being reshaped into non-religious practices. C of E: in the 1950s- 67% of the population were baptised. In 2011- 12%! 1957: 72% of marriages were in churches, but by 2000 this was now 36.3% There are still religious funerals but often they are now ‘celebrations of life’. Often less religious. Often there is little discussion from the government and politicians regarding religion. Popular culture also shows evidence of criticism, rather than acceptance of religion ‘The God delusion’ (2006) by Richard Dawkins- a best seller |
