secularisation

CROCKETT estimates that in 1851 40% or more of the adult population of Britain attended church on Sundays. in 1966 Wilson argued that Western societies had been undergoing a long term process of secularisation.

Church attendance today-by 2015 5% of the adult population attended church on Sundays. The English Church Census shows that attendances at large organisations have declined more than small organisations. by 2012 only 30% of weddings were in church. Bogus baptisms have increased.

religious affiliation today membership or identification with religion. continuing decline. christians fell by 1/3 and Catholics increased slightly.

religious beliefs today religious beliefs is declining.

religious institutions today influence has also declined significantly since C19th

WEBER: rationalisation- the process by which rational ways of thinking and acting can come to replace religious ones. argued the protestant reformation started a process of rationalisation.

disenchantment- rational mode of thought intern allowing science to thrive undermining religion.

technological world view- looking to science and technology for an explanation leaving no room for religious explanations

social and cultural diversity

religious diversity- sacred canopy and plausibility structure.

cultural defence

cultural transition

simply changing in its form

one-sided

ignorant of people who believe but don't attend

secularisation is not universal

religious diversity increases participation as it offers choice