Beyond Doubt: The Secularization of Society

I have read or checked out various books discussed on the Freedom From Religion radio and television programs. 

This book is academic while still being readable. I skimmed it as well as listened to the discussion on the program. The general thesis is that there has been a widespread worldwide secularization of society in recent years. This, as the book finishes off, is "beyond doubt."

Secularization would be the process of religion losing significance. Okay. What is "religion"? The book generally ties religion with the supernatural. Religion is a collection of ideas, rituals, practices, symbols, identities, and institutions constructed based on the belief in the supernatural.

I respect this definition. On the other hand, I am wary of limiting religion to such a range. Unitarian-Universalism, for instance, is usually considered a religion. A person does not need to believe in the supernatural. An old dictionary definition:

a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. 

Experts, including sociologists who study religion, have struggled to find the right words to use. The Supreme Court has mostly dodged trying to define religion. There is a "you know it when you see it" flavor. Lower courts had tried various tests, which again do not only include belief in the supernatural.  

Religious practice involves the three "Bs" -- belief, behavior, and belonging (to religious institutions). A person can belong to religious institutions for secular reasons. For instance, Ireland has had a strong religious presence because the Church served a nationalistic purpose. South Korea does so (so argues the book) because Protestantism was seen as part of a modern successful country, along with its efforts toward capitalism.  

People might continue to see the church as a cultural thing, an overall "sacred" space, without believing in the supernatural. Again, on that end, I think there is some sort of "religious" flavor there. A country such as Finland is very secular but the church still has a cultural value.  

(This can be a reason why there are certain exceptions to the trend of secularization. Also, if religion was suppressed artificially -- such as in the Soviet Union -- religion can still be strong, especially if it is also used for other purposes such as Putin's use of religion for his own purposes.)

The book analyzes how certain factors have led to increased secularization. Modernization, separation of church and state, and religious pluralism have all been involved. The supernatural (including as a relief to threats) becomes less important. The more religions there are, the less impressive any specific one (including your own) seems. 

At a certain stage, secularization leads to religious indifference. Religion still has enough of a role in United States society, for instance, for the Freedom From Religion Foundation to be quite passionate about their cause. There is a clear danger that religion will cause harm, especially if "harm" for you includes personal use of religion.  

Many Europeans, however, are quite indifferent about religion. Many people in this country are the same. The supernatural is not a big concern of mine, surely, and I realize life can have meaning without it. "Religion" sometimes includes a bundle of beliefs, behavior, and belonging involving "ultimate truths." A humanist group can act like a traditional religion. Many people do not belong to such groups either.

Interestingly, one difference for many people who are indifferent about religion is reflected in their parenting styles. Obedience suddenly becomes much less important. This shows the complexity around "religion" and the supernatural. There are some cultures, I am thinking of some Asian ones perhaps inspired by Confucian beliefs, where the supernatural might play a minor role but a more strict system of obedience is honored.  

The book provides the numbers that the secularization process has affected this country. The fact there is still a powerful evangelical movement does not refute this. The movement is still a minority in the country. A dangerous one in various respects. But, that has been a standard concern over the years. Along with the acceptance of bad characters. 

Many people who ally with them do not share their belief in the supernatural. Non-evangelicals have become more secular, leading to the growth of a "nothing in particular" (nones) category.  These people might have some vague belief in "spirituality" without having much of a concern about the supernatural.  

The authors have written about secularism and living without religion in their various writings. The intent of this book is not to pass a value judgment on whether secularism is good or bad, although some parts suggest it is not necessarily a negative thing. The book offers an intriguing perspective, including case studies, on the process of secularization.

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(A summary of how religion remains attractive.)

The co-author is also on the 8/10/23 radio episode. The hosts noted they also had the other authors on in the past.

One thing referenced is that belief in the supernatural is not natural. We often hear that religion is a natural belief. The screenshot above suggests that religion does provide various benefits that could otherwise lead a person in various cases to believe in the supernatural. 

Nonetheless, like fear of the other (which is quite natural in certain ways), a child from birth can be taught otherwise. The number of non-religious people today suggests the idea religious belief is inherently natural is a bit curious. Some use religious structures without belief in the supernatural. 

Others go about their lives, often with meaning and happiness, without even that broader version of religion.