Religion and the Modern Society
There are many pieces of evidence which may lead sociologists such as
Bryan Wilson to conclude that modernity brings with it a decline in
the importance of religion. One example is that statistical evidence
shows that there has been a decline in the amount of people attending
church. The 19851 census showed that approximately 40% of the
population attended church. By 1990 this has dropped to 10%.
Another example could be that the laws against Sunday trading have
been substantially modified. As many businesses now trade on a Sunday,
which has lead people to choose or be forced to work and earn money
rather than to attend church.
(b)
The quote that “the world is bubbling with religious passions” could
lead to much debate. Although statistic evidence shows that there has
been a decline in church attendance, it can be argued that people who
attend church are not necessarily practising religious belief and
those who do believe may not see the need to attend . Religion is a
private experience for many and consequently cannot be reliably or
scientifically measured, as said by Bellah.
There has also been a dramatic increase in the number of sects, cults
and new religious movements in the later twentieth century. According
to Greeley and Nelson the growth of new religious indicates that
society is undergoing a religious revival, and not a decline and that
there are more people than ever who have religious beliefs.
There has also been an increase in the membership of non-Trinitarian
religions in the UK. Religious broadcasting also continues to be
popular, with large audiences watching programmes such as songs of
praise. Broadsheet newspapers have columns developed to religious
matters.
There are many sociologists who do believe that secularisation has
taken place in modern society. Wilson conclude there has been a
decrease in the amount of people attending church and the amount of
wedding, christening etc taking place at church, as well as the rising
divorce rate and the number of children born outside of marriage.