Summary: Religion In Modern Britain

Read the summary and the most important questions on Religion in Modern Britain

• Religion in Modern Britain- The long 60's

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• Key Term: De-Christianisation(Definition and 2 viewpoints)

  The loss of Christian monopoly over societal institutions. 
  
  Brown:
  Strong, Sharp decline of christian practice 
  Haemmorhage of christianity 
  People becoming less familiar with biblical narratives
  
  Mcleod:
  Gradual erosion
  believes in changes and the relocation of Christianity
  As much change as there is decline
  Believes in lots of influencing factors

• Key Term: Secularization(Definition and 3 layers of secularization)

  The declining social significance of religion. 
  
  "Process where religious thinking, practice and institutions lose social significance" (Wilson, 1996)
  
  3 Layers of secularization:
  1. Societal: Where religious decline impacted the society as a whole. 
  2. Organisational: Where religious role and function declines in institutions e.g. schools and religious organisations.  
  3. Individual: Where religion declines in importance for individuals.
  (Dobbeleare, 2002).  

• Key Term: Religious Pluralization (just definition and an example)

  Loosening influence of established religions and increasing visibility of new religions and non-religions. 
  e.g. mormons and Muslims/ Buddhists

• What are the two views on the Long 60's?

  Brown: Believes it has a lot to do with changing roles of women and believes it was sudden. 
  
  Mcleod: Believes in longer, more gradual process and is both a process of change and decline due to a range of factors. 

• What dates relate to the Long 60's?

  1954- 1974 
  
  There was a spike in Christianity after the war and it appeared to be strong. However due to a number of factors there was a large decline at the beginning of the Long 60's. 

• What are the characteristics of New Religions in respect to Religious Diversity?

  1. Recent- post 1945
  2. Marginal- are not mainstream
  3. Seek local converts
  
  E.G. Wicca or Paganism

• Describe the example of Queen Elizabeth's coronation? (6 points)

  1953
  
  elaborate Christian ritual
  
  Came at a time of Christian resurgence after WW2
  
  Was a symbol that the British people still called themselves Christian
  
  Was more secular however, due to street parties and festivities and limited religious observance
  
  God was seen as a judge or monarch to the queen who had a duty and obligation to him (matter of duty) , this changed after the coronation however where he took on a more personal role to the individual and was often seen as a life-force  or to be 'within' a person due to increasing spirituality.

• Describe Christian Identity? (5 points)

  Problematic to simplify
  
  Lots of different branching groups with lots of different beliefs and understandings of Christianity.
  
  e.g. some believe to be Christian you have to have regular church attendance.
  Others believe you have to be actively involved in the church
  Others believe self-designation is appropriate.
  
  2001 Census shows 71.8% describe self as Christian yet church figures were at 10%.
  
  Many believe without belonging (Davie, 1994). 
  - Practice at home but do not feel the need to participate in churches.

• State the decline rates in both the church association and in Sunday schools.

  Church Association: 1950= almost 3 million members
  1980= 1.82 million. 
  
  Sunday Schools: 1961= 94%
  1985= 85%

• Describe the effect of Affluence.(In general)

  1. Had an impact on the daily lives of people and their thinking of religion. 
  
  2. Living standards were rising by late 1950's despite being so soon after the war.