True for You, But Not For Me, Coursework Example

The strongest evidence for the secularization of western societies can be based on the expansion of religion. Secularization is the idea that progression of society, through rationalization and modernization, is the basis for religion losing its authority in the government and societal factors. According to Steve Bruce, there are different associations in secularization. First connotation is the secularization that resulted from the decline of religious practices and beliefs in the modern societies, which are assumed to be a developmental, human, universal process. This is could be considered the most popular definition on secularization. Another association is secularization as a privatization of religion. This is believed to be a normative condition and a modern historical trend, which is a precondition of politics of a liberal democratic. The secularization of differentiation of the secular spheres, which is the economy, state, science, which is known as the emancipation from religion institutions as well as norms. The Western European language, refers to the transfer of things, meanings, persons, etc. from religious or ecclesiastical to lay or civil use, control, or possession. Clearly secularization occurs because the options are provided to choose which religion they choose to follow. It allows a separation of church and state, and the religious obligations can shift based on the individual’s pursuit of a new denomination.

The common belief that religion in Western societies is diminishing, however that does not seem to be the situations. The strongest evidence that something else or something more is happening in religion in Western Societies is simply credited to the fact that religion, in and of itself still exists. Religion is not diminishing in theory, it is changing. The secularization of politics changes the role of religion on the family. Warren Nord (1995) implies religion is no longer based upon the church rule, but the decision based on the individual whether it is in their best interest to follow the government rule or the rule of the church. Therefore the new role of religion, separate from the government is changing its perspective which may appear to be diminishing, however religion is still very prevalent within society. Clearly the church’s authority over individual behavior and decisions has declined. This is based on heavily on the separation of church and state. Family behavior is still heavily influenced by religion, shown in the family structure differences, as well as their behavior related to different religious groups. An example would be to look at the Catholic family. The religious governance dictates that birth control of any type is against their beliefs. Government however advocates birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to control the populations. The traditional Catholic families are larger in number because of the fact that they follow the religious doctrine over that of the government. The belief that religion is diminishing can also be pinpointed to the evolution of religion over the past two centuries. Rituals and practices have changed which makes religion less dominate as well. However, the argument that religion is diminishing is two-fold. Because the context of which religion is based in modernizing, which in many cases can be viewed as diminishing. Meaning the role of religion, church, and purpose is no longer on the same basis that is was once founded on. Therefore, the argument that religion is diminishing can be answered both ways, depending on how you view religion.

Personally it is difficult to pinpoint the most accurate understanding of nature and the level of importance religion has in American society, and in Western societies in general.

Paul Copan addressed the four major considerations for understanding religion. This is philosophical relativism, moral relativism, religious pluralism, and the uniqueness of Christianity. (Copan, 1998) It would be appropriate to assume that the understanding of nature and the importance of religion would be the same for both American and Western societies. Religion directly affects the economic development, social welfare, church structures, church-state relations, ethnic divisions, and individualization. Regardless of the clear separation of religion and state, they still are heavily dependent upon each other. When religion is involved, nature is affected in a positive manner. It is governed by two regulatory institutions instead of one. Religion is the bases of obedience and honor for a higher power. It promotes the ideals that individuals need to act in a capacity that does no harm, and aids in the event that needs arise. This dictates that societies in American and in Western civilization are consistent in the idea that their society is made up of religiously-guided people. The level of importance religion has in both American and Western societies is significant.

Steve Bruce has his theory as to what caused secularization. Bruce does not take a side on the merits secularization, but simply documents the consequences and process of modern culture secularization. A typical factor in secularization is when the social powers weaken with a difficulty in mixing faith with the children. If the state takes their support and immigrants continually arrive, practicing their religion without reservation, even when the common social consent for one religion will begin to dissolve. By failing to publically announce a particular religion, the people are forces to turn to other institutions like school, family, church, and a broader adherents of subculture. Bruce has argued that when religion becomes more commonly a free choice, the boundaries of religion begin to fade. Bruce’s secularization Paradigm has two common factors. That there is change in the nature of religion and its presence; and the collection as far as the reasoning for it. (Bruce, 2011) The end result is it turns into first relativism, where all roads lead to God. The difficulties with this ideal is that there is not particular benefit in choosing one road over another. Secularization occurs when individuals are able to pick and choose what doctoring they choose to believe. This is a liberalization in religion and essentially devalues it. Religion has shifted from serving God to personal satisfaction and peace of mind for one’s own religious involvement.

The explanation for the cause of secularization is convincing. Religion is not always easy, the time, commitment, and traditional practices requires an individual to think less of what they want and more of what their God wants. This is essentially what religion is, it is a selfless sacrifice to be God honoring and fulfill ones responsibility for their beliefs. Mixing new religions into society does promote secularization. When there are more options for religion, individuals are granted the choice to determine which best suits them. For example, if one religion requires you go to church three times a week, and one requires you go once, the likelihood would be that the individual would choose to go once. They feel good about the fact that they still fulfilled their religious duties, they were just able to do it with much less obligation. As the new religions become more and more contemporary, they are shifting away from religion in general. This inevitably changes society. Therefore it is convincing to believe that secularization occurred because religion essentially ceased to.

The role of early modern appearance of governmental religious neutrality and individual religious freedom had in allowing and encouraging the present condition of religion is significant. Robinson argues that the argument of it God exists and if he doesn’t has fueled society to evolve to religious digressions. However he strongly advocates the spirit of change, meaning religion grows with an adequate tension between freedom and bondage which is fulfilled from the freedom of God. (Robinson, 1967) Any worshiping outside of the realms of the state approved religion was classified as disturbing the peace. There during this time period there was no religious freedom, and secularization had not occurred. The religious neutrality in the early stages was not really neutral at all. However, as immigrants began to migrate, they brought their religious beliefs and practices with them. They were allowed to practice their religion, and hence governmental involvement in religion began to loosen its reigns. As time passed individual religious freedoms were actually a factor within society. This allowed for individuals to begin to pick and choose their religious practices and choices. Inevitably, secularization occurred.

There are some presumably long-term consequences of the current trends in religious life in American society, and Western societies in general. With the ideals of religion evolving in a contemporary way while regressing, the long-term consequences are not favorable. Nord addresses the idea of religion being put back into public education and that the secular liberals argue that religion have absolutely no purpose in modern curriculum. Nord stand clear on his position that the universities nor the public schools should push religion as a promotion purpose. But he does advocate the need for religion for moral, constitutional, philosophical and political reasons. (Nord, 1995) Clearly the future characteristics of religion for individuals is declining. The religious basis that governed individuals has drastically changed. It does not hold the same priority it did a century ago. This is because religion in all aspects has evolved to being less about religion and more about self. If one does not agree with the structure of one denomination, they can choose another.  It does not require loyalty and commitment as it once did. The future will continue to provide a structured religion that is based on convenience more than structure. For religion this means many of the structures that have been around for centuries will have to adapt or they will dissolve. They cannot remain competitive if they do not have any member. The future of religion in the government is going to be similar to how it is today. God and government are two separate factors. In order to please the majority, there is a clear separation and that will not change in the future.  And lastly, religion in society will be on a decline as well. Society benefits from religion in their collective collaborations and the ability to agree to disagree. Religion teaches society self-sufficiency which is important for society. Without religion there will be a decline in societal ability to take care of one’s own self. Without religion, the term consequences on individual, religion, government, and society will be negative.

The trends have their own good and bad, for various reasons. The growth of religious diversity will have its good and it’s bad. The good is that diversity offers options. It opens the door for understanding and less hatred for differences. If religion were unified, hatred for anyone who viewed things differently would extreme. There would be no room for understanding or equality. By encouraging such diversity, it will allow individuals to choose how they feel religiously and what they believe in, and they will worship with individuals who believe the same. The bad side is, it allows for individuals to change beliefs, churches, affiliation based on anything they disagree with. It is creating a much more contemporary approach to religion. The traditional basis of church is shifting more and more from God to self. This is part of the downfall with the growth of religious diversity. It provides a feel-good option for individuals to live by without really having to participate in church. The trends are also creating a change in spirituality. Spirituality is what holds an individual’s life together by tying it to something bigger. It brings clarity and meaning to life. Spirituality is often associated with religion, but the differentiation is one is an action and one is a belief. The downfall for a decline in spirituality is the fact that it is a governing tool for right and wrong; ethical and moral; and knowing that we will be responsible for answering for our actions. Belief that we have to answer to a higher power is a positive thing for both religion and spirituality.

References

Bruce, Steve. (2011)  Secularization. Oxford Press. Chapter 1-5.

Copan, Paul. (1998) True for You, But Not For Me. Bethan House Publisher.

Nord, Warren. (1995) Religion and American Education. N. Caroline Press. Chapter 1 pg. 15-62.

Robinson, Bishop John A.T. (1967) But that I Can’t Believe. UK Fontana Books.