Religion and the Internet

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

According to Lyon, what is the flaw in the secularisation theory?

assuming that religion is declining

What is a key feature of New Age beliefs and practices?

individualism

What is the result of the growth of unconventional beliefs and practices, according to Lyon?

a period of re-enchantment

What term does Hervieu-Leger use to describe individuals who pick and mix elements of different faiths?

spiritual shoppers Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the loss of faith in meta-narratives, according to the text?

traditional religions lose authority and decline Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument made by some sociologists regarding the shift in society's religious landscape?

A spiritual revolution is taking place, where Christianity is giving way to 'holistic spirituality' Signup and view all the answers

What did Heelas and Woodhead's (2005) study find regarding the attendance of church and holistic milieu in 2000?

7.9% of the population attended church, and 1.6% took part in holistic milieu Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the explanations for the decline of congregational domain attendance, according to Heelas and Woodhead's study?

The massive subjective turn of the new age, which led to a shift away from obligation to religion Signup and view all the answers

What is a weakness of the New Age movement, according to the text?

The problem with scale, as even if newer forms of individualized religion were increasing, it would still have to fill the large gaps left by the decline of traditional religions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the growing market for spiritual goods and services?

The spiritual market Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of parents in the socialisation of the next generation, according to the text, in the context of the New Age?

Parents are not socialising their children into the ways of the New Age. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Davie use to describe vicarious religion?

an iceberg Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism that Stark and Bainbridge have of the secularisation theory?

They argue that there has never been a 'golden age' of religion and that the theory is Eurocentric. Signup and view all the answers

What do Stark and Bainbridge assume about human nature and religion in their religious market theory?

They assume that people are naturally religious and that religion meets human needs, and that people seek rewards and avoid costs. Signup and view all the answers

What term does Hervieu-Leger use to describe the decline of religious obligation?

cultural amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What concept do Stark and Bainbridge use to describe the supernatural rewards that religion provides?

Religious compensators. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon does Bruce question in terms of religious belief?

believing without belonging Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the modern trend of creating personalized beliefs?

spiritual shopping Signup and view all the answers

What is the cycle of renewal proposed by Stark and Bainbridge to describe the growth and decline of religions?

Some religions grow while others decline. Signup and view all the answers

What social trend does Hervieu-Leger suggest has contributed to the decline of traditional religious authority?

the trend towards equality Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of Stark and Bainbridge's theory regarding the demand for religion?

The demand for religion is greatly influenced by the quality and variety of religion on offer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of commercial funding on religious participation, according to Hadden and Shupe's argument?

Commercial funding opens up competition and responds to consumer demand, leading to an increase in religious participation. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bruce's critique of Stark and Bainbridge's theory regarding the relationship between diversity and religion?

Bruce argues that diversity and competition do not increase the demand for religion, but rather accompany the decline of religion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key factor influencing the growth of Asian faiths in America, according to Finke's argument?

The lifting of Asian immigration laws, which allowed Asian faiths to become another option in the religious marketplace. Signup and view all the answers

What is Beckford's criticism of the religious market theory?

The theory is unsociological because it assumes that people are naturally religious, but does not explain how. Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage in the sectarian cycle, according to Wilson?

Further schism, resulting in less privileged members breaking away to found a new sect. Signup and view all the answers

How do 'Conversionist' sects differ from 'Adventist' sects?

Conversionist sects aim to convert large numbers of people, while Adventist sects believe they must hold themselves separate from the corrupt world. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two common themes that characterise the New Age, according to Heelas?

Self-spirituality and detraditionalisation. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wilson believe that globalisation will affect sects?

Globalisation will make it more difficult for sects to survive, but will make recruitment easier. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the New Age's eclectic nature, according to the text?

It reflects a diversity of beliefs and activities, including belief in UFOs and tarot cards. Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of religious monopoly affect the demand for religions, according to Stark and Bainbridge?

It leads to a decline in demand as people have no choice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that influences religious participation, according to Stark and Bainbridge's theory?

Supply of religious groups. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Stark and Bainbridge believe that religion thrives in the US?

Because there is no monopoly of truth, leading to a variety of competition and a healthy religious market. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a lack of choice in religious options, according to Stark and Bainbridge?

A decline in religious participation. Signup and view all the answers

How does the European religious landscape differ from the American one, according to Stark and Bainbridge?

Most European countries have an official state church, leading to a religious monopoly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of having an ample supply of religious groups, according to Stark and Bainbridge's theory?

An increase in religious participation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the religious market in the US, according to Stark and Bainbridge?

A healthy religious market with a variety of competition. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Stark and Bainbridge argue that the supply of religious groups is more important than demand in influencing religious participation?

Because an ample supply of religious groups increases religious participation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the religious landscape in the US suggest about the relationship between religious competition and religious participation?

That religious competition increases religious participation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of having a monopoly of truth in a religious market, according to Stark and Bainbridge's theory?

A decline in religious participation due to a lack of choice. Signup and view all the answers