Postmodernism and Religion

Postmodernism and Religion:

• The modern era was typified by movement away from the teachings of religion towards science and rationality.

• Rejection of metanarratives in postmodernity challenges the traditional view and control of religion.

• Postmodernity would suggest that what we understand about religious beliefs and spirituality has become more individualised and based upon individual experiences.

The main theorists:

• Lyotard - rejection of metanarratives

• Bauman - increased choice in morality

• Lyon - impacts of consumerism on religion

Lyotard- Rejection of Metanarratives:

• Lyotard (1984) the rejection of metanarratives that present universal truths has led to a decline in organised religion.

• Individuals demonstrate increased choice in postmodern society - linked to greater diversity in spiritual beliefs as individuals choose what fits their beliefs.

Bauman and Religion:

• Rejection of authority and control in the postmodern era as part of the process of secularisation.

• Individualisation has led to people being guided by their own morals and ethics.

• More choice over who to seek moral guidance from - impacts of globalisation and greater diversity in society.

Lyon- Consumerism:

• Greater choice as a result of increased technology - more global influences in spirituality.

• Increased choice and consumerism lead individuals to choose their religion mas uch as they would consumer products.

Postmodernity and the New Age:

• John Drane (1999) argues that the appeal of the New Age is part of a shift towards a postmodern society

Bruce (1995):

• A source of identity: In modern society, the individual has many different roles (at work, in the family, with friends etc) but there is little overlap between them, resulting in a fragmented identity. New Age beliefs offer a source of 'authentic' identity.

• Consumer culture: It creates dissatisfaction because it never delivers the perfection that it promises (e.g. in advertising). The New Age offers an alternative way to achieve perfection.

• Rapid social change: In modern society disrupts established norms and values, resulting in anomie. The New Age provides a sense of certainty and truth in the same way as sects.

• The decline of organised religion: Modernity leads to secularisation, thereby removing the traditional alternatives to New Age beliefs. For example, in the USA, the New Age is strongest where lowest, in California.

Criticisms:

• Voas and Crocket (2005) reject that there is more to believing than belonging.​

• Evidence from British Social Attitudes surveys between 1983 and 2000 shows that both church attendance and belief in God is declining​

• Bruce adds that the fact people are unwilling to spend time going to church shows that they no longer care to belong – demonstrates a change in attitude

• ​Voas and Crocket (2005) reject that there is more to believing than belonging.​

• Evidence from British Social Attitudes surveys between 1983 and 2000 shows that both church attendance and belief in God is declining​

• Bruce adds that the fact people are unwilling to spend time going to church shows that they no longer care to belong – demonstrates a change in attitude

Lyon: ‘Jesus in Disneyland’

• David Lyon (2000) argues that society has reached post-modernity due to globalisation, the increased importance of media and communications and consumerism​

• Globalisation – the interconnectedness of societies means time and space is compressed and we are saturated with instant images from around the globe​

• Now we have access to a multitude of beliefs, value systems, religions and practices from remote parts of the globe​

The relocation of religion:

• Ideas are now disembedded – we don’t have to go to church to worship – televangelism, internet sites...​

• Lyon points out a Harvest Day crusade that happened in Disneyland an example of how different areas of social life become blurred in postmodern society​

Religious Consumerism:

• Post-modern society is characterised by consumerism and individual choice – one size no longer fits all​

• Hervieu-Leger: we are spiritual shoppers – we can ‘pick and mix’ the elements of different religions that we enjoy​

• Lyon – People have not abandoned religion but are now religious consumers ​

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Re-enchantment of the world:

• Lyon criticises Weber’s concept of rationalisation and says that the last three or four decades have seen a process of re-enchantment – the growth of unconventional beliefs, practices and spirituality​

Evaluating Postmodern views:

• Greater diversity of religious choice is supported by the rise of new religious movements and the decline in traditional religion.

• The impacts of globalisation creating more choices in religion can be evidenced through online religion.

• The contradiction between rejecting universal truth and still seeking answers through spirituality.