Religion and the Modern Society

700 Words2 Pages

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.

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