secularism

Question 1

procedural secularism

Answer 1

is the nice version

state must take into account the interests of all its citizens. religion should be treated equally.

Question 2

programmatic secularism

Answer 2

is the mean version

no space in society for religion. religious views and practices must be expelled from society.

Question 3

linda woodhead

Answer 3

traditional views on LGBTQ, divorce, women’s rights have transformed christianity into a “toxic brand” which future generations wish not to be associated with.

there is a decline in christianity and increase in paganism, spirituality etc

Question 4

feuerbach

Answer 4

‘God is man writ in large letters’

God is just a man made illusion- he is all the things we want to be but cannot be, we invented God he does not actually exist

Question 5

freud on neurosis

Answer 5

religion is just a product of infantile neurosis and societal repression of basic human needs.

comparable to childhood neurosis- we created God as a father figure as we cannot cope without a dominant figure in our lives.

religion stems from the infantile stage of development, before one has developed powers of reasoning.

Question 6

Dawkins- indoctrination of children

Answer 6

raising a child as catholic is a form of psychological abuse.

children are forced into religion at a young age, out of their own will.

burka- says burka is repressive, shows submission of women, and metaphorically shows how religious obscures our sight

Question 7

dawkins- hell house

Answer 7

pastor devised a hell house- people acted out sins e.g. homosexuality, abortion, then kids were shown them being tortured by the devil

traumatised the children and leaves profound scars on one’s psyche

Question 8

Dawkins- uncomprehending child

Answer 8

to call a child jewish, christian etc is absurd- children’s minds are hijacked from a young age before they can even truly comprehend things on their own.

Question 9

jo marchant

Answer 9

religion can be psychologically helpful to humans

mediation, social gatherings have made people feel happier and part of a community.

can assess the positive impacts of religious practices- link to James’ fruit not roots

religion helps overcome loneliness and fear

Question 10

la laicite and problem of it

Answer 10

is the principle of secularisation in France- can’t wear religious clothing or symbols in public spaces e.g hijab

bad because it denies freedom of expression

Question 11

what percentage of people in world now who are religious and what will it rise to by 2050

Answer 11

84% expected to rise to 87%

Question 12

3 arguments FOR secular schools

Answer 12

• no advantages given to religious children
• avoids segregation of children into religious groups
• avoids pushing children to certain religion and offers neutral stance till old enough to choose own religion

Question 13

3 arguments FOR faith schools

Answer 13

• parents wish to raise children in faith school to learn about their religion
• children who have religious beliefs may feel more comfortable in faith schools with kids who have same beliefs
• segregation may not be due to religion and due to other factors like socioeconomic status

Question 14

what is secularisation theory

Answer 14

the idea that as society develops into modernity, religion retreats

faith is declining into obscurity

Question 15

3 pieces of evidence showing secularisation

Answer 15

• church attendance decreasing- R numbers less than 1- Methodist and Catholic Church face extinction
• less religious funerals and weddings
• increase in science

Question 16

bretherton on failure of secularisation theory

Answer 16

people can live happily in a multi faith society and they have no problem- there is no need to eradicate religion from public life and society, we can still live in harmony alongside different religions.

Question 17

ford on failure of secularisation theory

Answer 17

can’t view development of the world as linear, it is not linear
“unpredictability of a drama”
can’t assume religion will decline completely

Question 18

berger on failure of secularisation theory

Answer 18

wrong to assume secularism is rising, in some places people are closer to their faith than ever before and religion is on the rise globally.

Question 19

Charles Taylor and subtraction stories

Answer 19

as society developed and became enlightened due to science, people shed old beliefs such as demons and miracles and had more natural, secular views- this is unsatisfactory.

thinks we should embrace the fulness of life and this includes the divine, re-engage with experiencing the fulness of life.

Question 20

Terry Eagleton on failure of secularisation theory

Answer 20

marxist and christian
religion has contributed enormously to society

point 1- secularism does not capture the essence of things as religion does e.g. sacrifice. secular aspect of music- we wouldn’t sacrifice ourselves for Beethoven so secularism takes away the power of sacrifice.

point 2- secular capitalism has privatised everything including religion so it is deemed irrelevant in public life.