Module 3- Religion in Contemporary World PDF

The Sociology of Religion (SOCI 377) Dr. Gbenga Adejare Religion in Contemporary World Module 3 Recap Previously, We discussed how to conceptualize religion in sociological context We examined the agency of some elements driving notions about religion and religiosity Two-way dimensional views: a con...

The Sociology of Religion (SOCI 377) Dr. Gbenga Adejare Religion in Contemporary World Module 3 Recap Previously, We discussed how to conceptualize religion in sociological context We examined the agency of some elements driving notions about religion and religiosity Two-way dimensional views: a conservative force vs a force for social change. Lesson Focus In this module, we would beam our sociological searchlight on: The projectile of religion as a juggernaut of historical relevance Universality of religion Religion and diversity Religious syncretism Religion and today’s lifeworld Reflection points The 2020 Global Call by the UN Chief,António Guterres, to Protect Religious Freedom The Juggernaut of Religion The word juggernaut literally refers to a metaphorical huge force or an object with enormous (yet sometimes destructive) power to crush anything that will hinder its movement or flow. Etymologically, the word has a religious background derived from the mythology of Jagannath (a form of the god Vishnu that presides over a massive temple in Puri, India). o When anglicized, Jagannath becomes juggernaut. The Juggernaut of Religion cont'd Historically, religion remains a powerful force that impact all ramifications of life across times and spaces o E.g., the early works philosophers Heraclitus and Anaximander reflected on how gods were treated in conflicting Greek myths of the 6th century. o Fast forward to post-modern era, the impact of religion is not of lesser importance in analyzing social realities. ▪ Politics ▪ Economy ▪ Education ▪ Health (Halal food) ▪ E.t.c. Universality of Religion Universality of religion connotes the presence of religion every where This claim was notably accounted for in the work of Emile Durkheim on totemism (a totem being personification and deifying of anything that represents a clan). As a universal phenomenon, religion remains a juggernaut in contemporary societies. The extent to which religion can be universal will depend on the extent to which people and contexts are the same or not the same. Religious Diversity Diversity is the flipside of universality. Religious diversity gives rooms creativity/innovations, multiple methods, proliferation of new practices and different kinds of religious emergencies. Diversity is the hallmark of religion in today's world. Diversity breeds syncretism Religious Syncretism This is process by which religion is adapted/appropriated to meet specific needs in a blended manner. Nikolai Wenzel (2011:178) puts it this way: "contemporary religious practice increasingly involves syncretism, as religious consumers borrow from different faiths and denominations to find their own comfort blend" - this is analogues to a cafeteria menu as opposed to set menu o Christlam (expression of Christianity and Islam in many ways) Syncretism is need-based and is enshrined in postmodernism Postmodernism Postmodernism, theoretically, is a historical phase characterized by metanarratives (multiple stories) as against dominant worldviews of preceding eras. An optic of postmodernism shows that, while it is erroneous to claim that religions across the globe consensually embrace the philosophy of postmodernism, contemporary religious practices fit into postmodern analytical framings. As a form of religious revival borne out the waning authority of traditional religions, syncretism gives room to individuals to freely express themselves. Religious cultural blending is triggered through: Simulacra Othering Secularization Desacralization and resacrelization Humanism Transcendence Renaissance Postmodernism cont’d Idealism ushered in personalization and cosmetic religiosity – a shift from ‘how to conform’ to ‘how to choose’. Put differently, people are now religious consumers rather than being glued or committed to religions. An inevitable fallout of this development is religious fundamentalism: A form of backlash on perceived decline in religion or religious emptiness. Postmodernism cont’d An incredulity towards meta-narratives as proposed by Lyotard (1981) signaled a departure from monolithic traditional religions where only one view of truth was made accessible/acceptable through institutionalization. The ascendance of ‘Christophobic’ ideas in Europe to pave the way for ‘neutralism’ and ‘humanism’ created new genre of religiosity. The conviction that in order to be free to express one’s self, it is imperative to develop sophisticated, radical and increasingly secular ideas of the world. The movement from institution to individualism is idealized Conclusion Religion is still a very powerful force in contemporary social, political and social spaces. Arguably, religion is both universal and diverse Today's religious world is pluralistic, responding to increasing diversity of need.