According to secularization theory what should happen to religion as society undergoes modernization?

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Kuo-Ching Patricia Lin

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According to secularization theory what should happen to religion as society undergoes modernization?

In order to answer such complex and disputed particulars, the question has been broken down into separate facets in an attempt to understand the complexity and cross-over of theory and definitions taking into account the differences of world-wide locations and societies. Following with a conclusion that considerers all researched information and retrieved evidence.

Research gathered on the definition on Secularization theory shows that it is strongly dependant on the religious views and individual views of the authors causing much controversy, with no definitive answer, leaving it ‘open to debate’(AD137 2001 p.73). One definition widely accepted defines secularization as a ‘process by which religious institutions, actions and consciousness, lose their social significance’ (Wilson, 1982, p.149).

Once more, there are many disputes on how to define religion. While some definitions attempt to find an equilibrium between a pointed and meaningless generalities. Some use formalistic, doctrinal, emphasized experiential, emotive, intuitive, valuation and ethical factors. Definitions have also included, a belief of the  or spiritual set of myths or sacred truths held in worship. A cultural or behavioural aspect of ,  and organized , often involving a , and societal norms of  and .

 

The Encyclopaedia of Religion summarises Religion as follows, ‘In summary, it may be said that almost every known culture involves the religious in the above sense of a depth dimension in cultural experiences at all levels — a push, whether ill-defined or conscious, toward some sort of ultimacy and transcendence that will provide norms and power for the rest of life. When more or less distinct patterns of behaviour are built around this depth dimension in a culture, this structure constitutes religion in its historically recognizable form. Religion is the organization of life around the depth dimensions of experience — varied in form, completeness, and clarity in accordance with the environing culture.’ (King, 2005, p.7692).

Modernization is a concept that refers to a process of society moving through it evolutionary role of barbarism to greater levels of development and civilization. This is closely linked with industrialization, urbanization and other social changes that will completely transform the lives of each person.

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But for a society to undergo modernization it must also be open to change, whilst the will always be those with intransigent views that wish to restrict development of both their own and other societies in ‘maintaining tradition for tradition’s sake’ 1. Which may be detrimental to the advancement and expansion of the society.  However some authors state that it is only Western societies that are seen as modern making all other societies less inferior, primitive or un-evolved by comparison, although Japan is now considered very modern.

Whilst modernity basically refers to the present-day confirming that any ...

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