Religious America? Secular Europe? by Peter Berger, David Grace and Effie Fokas

Religion has been an essential aspect of civilizations worldwide, however, its role and importance in the lives of human beings varies across the globe. As a direct consequence of globalization, people continue to inquire about the shifting role of religion in the modern world as well as the widespread claim suggesting that Europeans are less religious than Americans. Some have come to the conclusion that there is a strong likelihood that Americans overstate their religiousness, while Europeans embellish their secularity. However, one thing that cannot be disputed is the abundant differences between the two continents, which far outweigh their similarities. Many question both the futures of Europe and America, wondering whether or not the role religion plays in the public sphere will widen or lessen in years to come, either further dividing them or causing their religious landscapes to become progressively more similar. Whatever the case may be for the future, for now, Europeans and Americans should concentrate on coming to terms with the variations between the roles of religion in their respective cultures.

Although few in number, religious similarities between Europe and the United States do exist. Significantly, in both cases, there is a influential effect of pluralism (Berger 13). Now that there are more denominations, people have a variety of religious traditions available to them. Even if practicing Catholics still want to be Catholics, it is a decision they make. What was once an obligatory relationship is now a voluntary relationship to the churches. Moreover, lay people have become increasingly important due to the current religious “market” and religious “consumers.” Grace Davie discussed the position called “belie...

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...espite differences between “religious America” and “secular Europe,” as New Age spiritualities are developing, it is possible that both America and Europe will become increasingly similar, however, at present, there are no pragmatic indications that Europe is becoming more religious or the that the United States more secular.

Works Cited

Berger, Peter, Grace Davie, and Effie Fokas. "2." Religious America, Secular Europe?: A Theme

and Variations. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate, 2008. 9-22. Print.

Davie, Grace. "Setting The Scene: The Parameters of Faith in Modern Europe." Europe: The

Exceptional Case: Parameters of Faith in the Modern World. London: Darton, Longman

and Todd, 2009. 1-24. Print.

Davie, Grace. “Is Europe an Exceptional Case?” After Secularization. The Hedgehog Review.

Charlottesville: University of Virginia, 2006. 23-34. Print.