Science, Faith and Society, Coursework Example

Part 1: Descriptive question about religion and secularization

Bruce says B, “No, the condition of religion in America is not significantly different from Europe: secularization is happening more slowly, and certain features of American society cause that”. This statement by Steve Bruce is unfounded as he has failed to distinguish between the fundamental differences between religion and secularization. He holds that the United States experiences secularization due to underlying structural and conceptual factors engrained in the development and adaptation of society to its environment.

Steve Bruce’s theory on the comparison of secularization between the United States and Europe is based on the underlying long-held assumption that the United States is more religious than Europe, and as such, it is less secular than Europe owing to certain features of American society. While it is evident and true that the United States is more religious as compared to Europe, it is certainly not less secular or experiences secularization at a much slower rate. In reality, the United States has long been perceived as the epitome of a secularized and liberal nation. This is evident in the fundamental values of the “American Dream” that make the United States the land of opportunity. The United States is also perceived as the symbol of a free nation.

The rate at which any nation experiences secularization is partly influenced by the state and condition of religion. This blurs the boundaries between the secular and religion to the point where these boundaries are relative to an individual’s perception. This is the case with Europe. According to Tocqueville, American practice their religion out of self-interest. However, they also impose onto the world their interests of practicing religion.

It is important to consider that American religious developments and European secular developments are very distinctive. It is difficult to characterize either of the two as more advanced as the other. This is because they are all unique in their own ways. There is no global rule when it comes to religion. All the religions in the world are affected by secularization in one way or another, and on different levels.

Bruce’s theory insinuates that the United States is a less functional society and is hence less secular than European nations. On the contrary, European nations experience little or unclear functional definitions of the different facets of society, such as science, the state and the economy. This blurred condition of the different facets of society causes the roles of these facets to overlap. In such a condition, i.e. in European nations, secularization is perceived to be more evident, while in reality it is the role and purpose of religion in society that has been undermined.

Part 2: Normative (Value-based) question about “what is” in American Society

The positive and/or negative facets of secularization cause a rift between proponents and those who oppose the validity and practicality of secularization. There is much debate as to whether secularization is a positive or negative aspect of society and whether it should be encouraged or mitigated. I believe that secularization should not be assigned a value.

American society has experienced a drastic shift in the role and position of religion within society. The fundamental moral and ethical pillars that are engrained within society have evolved over time, leading to society adapting to the changing conditions of the environment. The religion has come under fire as the religious ideologies have been questioned on the basis of the hindrance that religion plays against development. The core values of religion have either been abandoned and/or modified to suit society, relative to the environmental conditions and the arising insatiable needs of society.

As society continues to adopt and readily accept the different facets of secularization, it will readily conform to ideologies that best suit their prevailing need for economic growth and development. This creates the most ideal environment in which society can realize optimal growth and development. This ensures that society does not stagnate and develops, grows and adapts to the prevailing conditions within its environment. As a result, society remains relevant. This is a positive effect of secularization.

However, society experiences negative effects when these changes affect how society perceives religion through the fundamental values and morals upon which religion exists. This creates a society where most ideologies are left to one’s own interpretation. Religion ceases to be the moral and ideological guide to human life and individuals take control over all aspects of their lives, making decisions as best suits them. The moral fabric of society is altered and certain boundaries and limits are shattered. These boundaries are essential in ensuring the survival of society. A good example is the issue of abortion. Though it was initially perceived as murder, abortion has become an issue of relativity. There are certain societies that have come to accept abortion, leading to the deaths of innocent human beings without the ability to defend or protect themselves.

It is evident that secularization has both positive and negative effects to society. Whether one perceives secularization as a good or bad thing, is influenced by the extent to which secularization affects them as individuals and collectively as a society. Labelling secularization as either entirely good or entirely bad would be unfounded. This is because the weaknesses and strengths of secularization depend on numerous variables factors that underlie within the society of interest. This can be seen between Europe and the United States of America where secularization has affected both societies on different levels. Secularization should not be assigned a value of being good or bad. Secularization has had considerable positive effects on the society. These include the fight against slavery, the concept of freedom and free will and the concept of government. However the negative effects, such as the rise of social vices like drug addiction have negatively impacted society. This is there for an issue that is relative depending on an individual’s perceptions. These perception are in themselves influenced and affected by the society from which one originates. It is therefore a matter of perception and core values held by society. These core values are guided and/or influenced by religion. It is therefore difficult to label secularization as either good or bad.

Part 3: Normative Question about “what ought to be” in America

Within the context of religion in western culture, secularization has been found to slowly change the role of religion in society. As society seeks growth and development in all sectors of life; education, manufacturing, business, technology just to mention a few, the environment within which society exists and functions changes. Society will adapt to the environment so as to ensure its survival and relevance within the prevailing environmental conditions. There are certain beliefs which, I believe, should guide the role of religion in American society.

Religion should provide the conceptual framework on which a nation’s laws and the constitution is developed. This is essential in ensuring the moral fabric of society is preserved as much as possible. Even though different aspects of socialization affect the role of religion in American society. Religion acts as the moral compass of society and as such should provide the best direction that society should take relative to the conditions within which society exists.

There is need for a distinction of the boundaries between religion and state, science and the economy. These boundaries are essential in ensuring that all facets of society function within their jurisdiction. By ensuring this, society can perform optimally within the boundaries defined by religion. However, there are instances when the boundaries between these facets of society overlap.  In the case that these boundaries are not clearly defined, then religion would become the centre of controversy and conflict within society. In order for society to practice democratic politics and a free society, there is need for the secular separation of religion from other facets of society.

Part 4: Normative question about “what ought to be” in the world

The universal role of religion is essential for the survival and cohesion of different societies. From a global viewpoint, religion is an important factor of the peaceful existence of society. Religious majorities have always posed a threat to the peaceful existence and operation of society. It is essential that the global society develops a framework that will ensure protection of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, from the tyranny of religious majorities. These majorities almost always cause conflict, affecting innocent individuals within the global society.

Different religions have to respect the sanctity of each religion existing within the same society. This entails giving every religion the freedom to practice their beliefs without infringing on the rights of individuals from religions other than the one in question. This will help mitigate and possibly eliminate deaths that result from religious wars and conflicts.

The distinction between religion and state is essential. This is vital in ensuring that, on the global arena, the state should be identified based on its laws, regulations and policies as opposed to a religion. When the boundaries between state and religion are not clearly defined, the roles and positions of these facets of society overlap. This creates a uniform identity between state and religion, leading to other sovereign states perceiving the given nation as a religion as opposed to a state. This may possibly lead to conflict between nations as religion becomes the source of controversy and disagreement.

In conclusion, the rate at which any nation experiences secularization is partly influenced by the state and condition of religion. Religion should provide the conceptual framework on which a nation’s laws and the constitution is developed. Religion acts as the moral compass of society and as such should provide the best direction that society should take relative to the conditions within which society exists. There is need for a distinction of the boundaries between religion and state, science and the economy. It is essential that the global society develops a framework that will ensure protection of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, from the tyranny of religious majorities.