The Future of Religion

a)Suggest a question for open-ended class discussion based on that reading. Try to avoid factual questions and aim for something that could be answered in a variety of ways. Either/or questions are often useful, but only if you could imagine somebody reasonably taking either side of the issue.

b)Write 300-500 words answering the question that you proposed. Use specific textual evidence to support your position.

The Future of Religion:

“In the middle of the twentieth century, most scholars agreed with the “secularization thesis.” As societies become more modern, religion would lose its power in society and its influence over individuals. The secularization thesis held that modern societies were based on rationality and therefore no longer subject to religious superstition. Besides that, the theory held that modern societies are divided into different sectors: the educational, economic, political, and cultural spheres. The theory assumed that forces of rationalism and differentiation would expel religion from public life and eliminate its role as a guiding and unifying force in society.

At the turn of the century, many scholars began to change their mind about this thesis. Even as religions became engaged in global conflicts, they grew in influence. Moreover, in many parts of the world outside of Europe and Canada, the majority of the population persists in their religious beliefs and behaviors. Now that scholars seriously question the theory, the field of religious studies is searching for its replacement, a comprehensive theory that could safely predict the future of religion.”

Excerpt From: Aden, Ross;. “Religion Today.” Apple Books.