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18 Oct 2022
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Understanding the Decline of Religion and the Rise of New Religious Movements
Jamie
@jamie21
Religious Evolution and Spiritual Shopping
Modern religious expression has evolved into a more individualistic pursuit, characterized by personal choice and spiritual exploration. This represents a significant shift in how people engage with faith in contemporary society.
Vocabulary: Cultural amnesia refers to the loss of collective religious memory across generations.
Example: Young people increasingly approach religion as "spiritual shoppers," selecting beliefs and practices that resonate with their personal journey.
Definition: Pilgrims and converts represent two emerging religious types - pilgrims seek self-discovery, while converts seek community belonging.
Highlight: The trend towards greater social equality has significantly undermined traditional religious authority structures.
Digital Religion and Modern Faith
The emergence of digital platforms has revolutionized religious practice, creating new ways for people to engage with faith communities and spiritual content. This transformation reflects broader changes in how society approaches religion in the digital age.
Definition: Religion online refers to top-down communication from religious organizations, while online religion represents faith communities existing purely in digital spaces.
Example: Televangelism and electronic churches demonstrate how religious practices have become "disembedded" from traditional physical spaces.
Highlight: The internet has created new opportunities for religious expression and community building outside traditional institutional frameworks.
Quote: "The internet creates a range of opportunities for religious organisations and individuals to exploit."
Digital Religion and Community
The internet has revolutionized religious practice and community formation. Helland's distinction between "religion online" and "online religion" captures the diverse ways digital platforms facilitate religious engagement.
Definition: "Religion online" represents institutional religious communication, while "online religion" exists purely in digital space.
Example: Pagan communities finding global connection and self-worth through online networks demonstrates the power of digital religious communities.
Highlight: Digital platforms serve both as supplements to traditional religious practice and as spaces for entirely new forms of religious expression.
The Spiritual Revolution
Evidence suggests a significant shift from traditional religious practices to new religious movements and spiritual beliefs. This transformation is particularly visible in the growing market for spiritual and self-help literature.
Example: Heelas and Woodhead's Kendal study revealed that while traditional church attendance declined, evangelical churches maintained their appeal.
Highlight: The success of religious organizations increasingly depends on their ability to appeal to personal spiritual needs rather than institutional authority.
Religious Market Theory
Stark and Bainbridge's religious market theory challenges conventional secularization narratives by proposing that religious diversity and choice drive continued engagement with faith.
Definition: Compensators are religious promises that address human needs when immediate rewards are unavailable.
Highlight: The theory suggests that people are naturally religious and seek rewards while avoiding costs in their spiritual choices.
Critiques of Religious Market Theory
Scholars have raised significant challenges to religious market theory, particularly regarding its applicability outside the American context and its assumptions about human nature.
Quote: Bruce argues that religious diversity has actually accompanied decline rather than growth in both Europe and America.
Highlight: The theory's assumption that people are naturally religious has been criticized as unsociological.
Traditional Religion to Modern Choice
Grace Davie's analysis reveals a fundamental shift from religious obligation to consumption-based faith practices. This transformation marks a significant change in how people engage with religion in contemporary society.
Definition: Vicarious religion refers to faith practiced by an active minority on behalf of a largely passive majority.
Example: The decline in infant baptisms in England and France demonstrates the shift from obligatory religious practices to personal choice.
Highlight: While 72% of people identified as Christian in census results, research shows this often reflects cultural rather than religious identity.
Quote: "Most people don't normally go to church or pray but they remain attached to the church as an institution."
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding the Decline of Religion and the Rise of New Religious Movements
Jamie
@jamie21
The rise of new religious movementsand changing patterns in religious participation mark a significant shift from traditional religious obligations to personal spiritual choices. Religious engagement is evolving through digital platforms, spiritual marketplaces, and individualized belief systems, while traditional institutional... Show more
Religious Evolution and Spiritual Shopping
Modern religious expression has evolved into a more individualistic pursuit, characterized by personal choice and spiritual exploration. This represents a significant shift in how people engage with faith in contemporary society.
Vocabulary: Cultural amnesia refers to the loss of collective religious memory across generations.
Example: Young people increasingly approach religion as "spiritual shoppers," selecting beliefs and practices that resonate with their personal journey.
Definition: Pilgrims and converts represent two emerging religious types - pilgrims seek self-discovery, while converts seek community belonging.
Highlight: The trend towards greater social equality has significantly undermined traditional religious authority structures.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Digital Religion and Modern Faith
The emergence of digital platforms has revolutionized religious practice, creating new ways for people to engage with faith communities and spiritual content. This transformation reflects broader changes in how society approaches religion in the digital age.
Definition: Religion online refers to top-down communication from religious organizations, while online religion represents faith communities existing purely in digital spaces.
Example: Televangelism and electronic churches demonstrate how religious practices have become "disembedded" from traditional physical spaces.
Highlight: The internet has created new opportunities for religious expression and community building outside traditional institutional frameworks.
Quote: "The internet creates a range of opportunities for religious organisations and individuals to exploit."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Digital Religion and Community
The internet has revolutionized religious practice and community formation. Helland's distinction between "religion online" and "online religion" captures the diverse ways digital platforms facilitate religious engagement.
Definition: "Religion online" represents institutional religious communication, while "online religion" exists purely in digital space.
Example: Pagan communities finding global connection and self-worth through online networks demonstrates the power of digital religious communities.
Highlight: Digital platforms serve both as supplements to traditional religious practice and as spaces for entirely new forms of religious expression.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Spiritual Revolution
Evidence suggests a significant shift from traditional religious practices to new religious movements and spiritual beliefs. This transformation is particularly visible in the growing market for spiritual and self-help literature.
Example: Heelas and Woodhead's Kendal study revealed that while traditional church attendance declined, evangelical churches maintained their appeal.
Highlight: The success of religious organizations increasingly depends on their ability to appeal to personal spiritual needs rather than institutional authority.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Religious Market Theory
Stark and Bainbridge's religious market theory challenges conventional secularization narratives by proposing that religious diversity and choice drive continued engagement with faith.
Definition: Compensators are religious promises that address human needs when immediate rewards are unavailable.
Highlight: The theory suggests that people are naturally religious and seek rewards while avoiding costs in their spiritual choices.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Critiques of Religious Market Theory
Scholars have raised significant challenges to religious market theory, particularly regarding its applicability outside the American context and its assumptions about human nature.
Quote: Bruce argues that religious diversity has actually accompanied decline rather than growth in both Europe and America.
Highlight: The theory's assumption that people are naturally religious has been criticized as unsociological.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Traditional Religion to Modern Choice
Grace Davie's analysis reveals a fundamental shift from religious obligation to consumption-based faith practices. This transformation marks a significant change in how people engage with religion in contemporary society.
Definition: Vicarious religion refers to faith practiced by an active minority on behalf of a largely passive majority.
Example: The decline in infant baptisms in England and France demonstrates the shift from obligatory religious practices to personal choice.
Highlight: While 72% of people identified as Christian in census results, research shows this often reflects cultural rather than religious identity.
Quote: "Most people don't normally go to church or pray but they remain attached to the church as an institution."
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user