SECULARISATION IN THE UK

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the UK is becoming increasingly secular. (20)

Item J

Secularisation is the declining importance of religion. Some sociologists argue that within the UK, religious beliefs and organisations are losing significance. Fewer people are attending churches than ever before and there are smaller numbers of religious ceremonies such as weddings. However, others argue that religion is not losing importance. This only appears to be the case because the way people interact with religion is changing over time.

Intro\

Secularisation refers to the declining importance of the religion.

Over the years, sociologists have argued that people are now less likely to associate with a religion and its practices, contrasting the traditional norms previously, where it was expected to practice and live life how religion wanted you to. This may be the case for modern UK now to some extent. Throughout this essay I will debate reasons why it is becoming increasingly secular and perhaps how some sociologists may argue against it.

PARA 1

Firstly, some sociologists may argue that the UK is becoming increasingly secular because of the evidence of declining attendance to church and it’s ceremonies.

• This means that less and less people are actively participating in the church’s practices and services as they once had done. ‘Fewer people are attending churches than ever before and there are smaller numbers of religious ceremonies such as weddings’

• A reason for this may be due to what Max Weber calls ‘rationalisation’.

• This refers to the the process through which traditional modes of thinking, feeling, and behaviour are replaced by rational and calculated ones. People no longer rely on the church’s spiritual and divine explanations for when they are in times of crisis but may rather turn to institutions and other service that can provide this-worldly explanations and support e.g. therapies. Our world has become disenchanted, and our society has magical and religious ways of thinking, leading to a more secular UK. Science has become the dominant belief system.

• could include the increase in family diversity & less stigma around non nuclear families alongside secularisation.

  Example

• In support of this, Wilson identified that church attendance in England and Wales had fallen from 40% of the population in the mid 19th century to 10% by the 60s

• Church weddings, baptisms, Sunday school attendance has also decline, infant baptisms fallen steadily

• Evaluate (interesting)

• Bogus baptisms- while infant baptism has declined. those of older children has increased. (faith schools, higher performing, only take baptised, entry ticket rather than Christian commitment) Utilitarian approach to accessing educational needs

• Link

  Repeat point and refer back to question

 PARA 2

However, some may argue that the lack of church attendance does not necessarily mean that religion is in decline.

Davie

• ‘Believing without belonging’ - Religion is taking place in a more privatised form so they still believe but are reluctant to belong to organisations

• Notes a trend towards ‘Vicarious religion’ - active minority partake on the behalf of the great majority, they experience religion second-hand

• Religion still used for rites of passage eg. funerals e.g. Princess Diana

• televangelism would fit into this also and how religion is changing form - private prayer. Also include NRM/NAMs here too as an alternative to traditional forms of religion.

Evidence:

• Found that this is common in Britain

• National Churches like C OF E like NHS- public services in times of need

• televangelism would fit into this also and how religion is changing form - private prayer. Also include NRM/NAMs here too as an alternative to traditional forms of religion.

Analysis

• Voas and Crockett- 5770 respondents- church and belief declining together -criticise Davie

Link

PARA 3

Secondly, sociologists may agree with this because, as Berger would argue, the sacred canopy no longer exists

Berger

• Identifies that in the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church had an absolute monopoly, no challengers. But since Protestant Reformation, religion has diversified with different ‘truths’

• Religious diversity undermines religion’s plausibility structure (believability)

• ‘Sacred canopy’

• Religious Pluralism

• Erosion of pluralism as globalisation occurs. Difficult to live in a world with incompatible beliefs

E- Afterlife: in Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of reincarnation is central, while in Christianity and Islam, there are beliefs in heaven, hell, and judgment after death.

Religious Practices: the consumption of beef is prohibited in Hinduism but allowed in Christianity and Islam

A/E- Berger has changed his views and now believes diversity and choice can stimulate interest and participation in religion e.g. evangelism in Latin America and the NCR (New Christian Right) in North America, showing religion’s vitality

PARA 4

Lastly, postmodernists disagree with the view that the UK is becoming secular but rather evolving, taking on new forms fitting the consumerist nature of society

• Helland- Globalisation & Media

  Helland discusses the importance of globalisation and the media in shaping the way that the public engage with religion. Because of globalisation and the rise of internet, it has altered the ways in which people interact with eachother in a religious community. UK isn’t becoming secular but may be just transported to a digital space.

• Religion online: Religious organisations interact with followers

• Online religion: Like-minded individuals socialise and share beliefs

Evidence: Lyons ‘spiritual shoppers’ Jesus in Disneyland, denominations feel the need to attract ‘customers’. Brings magic back that was lost after enlightenment

Religion also become de-institutionalised e.g. televangelism (TV)

Analysis

In contemporary UK society, there has been a noticeable rise in alternative spiritual movements, such as mindfulness, yoga, crystal healing, and astrology, among others. These practices often draw from various religious and philosophical traditions and are embraced by individuals seeking personal fulfillment, well-being, and meaning in a secular context.