10.2 Post-secularism
7 min read•august 20, 2024
challenges the idea that modernization leads to religion's decline. It recognizes religion's continued relevance in society, despite predictions of . This concept explores the complex relationship between religion, secularism, and modernity in our current era.
Key thinkers like and have shaped post-secular thought. The idea is evident in religious movements' resurgence, growing interest in spirituality, and efforts to accommodate diverse faith perspectives in public spaces.
Defining post-secularism
- Post-secularism is a concept that challenges the notion that modernization inevitably leads to the decline of religion's significance in society
- Recognizes the continued relevance and resurgence of religion in contemporary public life, despite predictions of secularization
- Seeks to understand the complex relationship between religion, secularism, and modernity in the current era
Secularization vs post-secularism
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- Secularization theory posits that as societies modernize, religion will gradually lose its influence and relevance in public and private spheres
- Post-secularism argues that religion has not disappeared but has transformed and adapted to modern contexts
- Acknowledges the ongoing presence and impact of religion in shaping social, cultural, and political realities
Key theorists of post-secularism
- Jürgen Habermas: German philosopher who coined the term "post-secular" and explored the role of religion in the public sphere
- Charles Taylor: Canadian philosopher who examined the complexities of secularism and the persistence of religious belief in modern societies
- : Spanish sociologist who challenged the secularization thesis and analyzed the public roles of religion in contemporary contexts
Post-secularism in contemporary society
- Evident in the resurgence of religious movements and their increased visibility in public discourse and politics (Islamic revivalism, Christian evangelicalism)
- Manifested in the growing interest in spirituality and alternative forms of religious expression outside traditional institutional frameworks
- Reflected in the recognition of religious diversity and the need for inclusive public spaces that accommodate different faith perspectives
Post-secularism and religion
- Post-secularism acknowledges the ongoing significance of religion in shaping individual and collective identities, values, and worldviews
- Recognizes the potential for religion to contribute positively to social cohesion, ethical reflection, and meaning-making in contemporary societies
- Explores the changing nature of religious belief and practice in response to the challenges and opportunities of modernity
Religion's resurgence in public life
- Increased visibility of religious actors and discourses in politics, media, and civil society (faith-based organizations, religious lobbying)
- Growing influence of religious values and norms in shaping public policies and debates on issues such as bioethics, education, and social welfare
- Emergence of new forms of religious activism and engagement in addressing social and environmental challenges (interfaith initiatives, religious environmentalism)
Post-secular spirituality
- Rise of individualized and eclectic forms of spirituality that draw from multiple religious traditions and incorporate elements of popular culture and self-help
- Emphasis on personal experience, authenticity, and the search for meaning and purpose outside traditional religious institutions
- Proliferation of spiritual practices and techniques aimed at promoting well-being, mindfulness, and self-transformation (yoga, meditation, alternative therapies)
Interfaith dialogue in post-secular contexts
- Growing recognition of the need for constructive engagement and understanding among different religious communities in pluralistic societies
- Development of interfaith initiatives and platforms for dialogue, cooperation, and peacebuilding (interfaith councils, joint social action projects)
- Efforts to promote religious literacy and combat stereotypes and prejudices through education, media, and public discourse
Post-secularism and politics
- Post-secularism challenges the strict separation of religion and politics associated with classical secularism
- Recognizes the persistent influence of religious values, identities, and institutions in shaping political life and public policy
- Explores the possibilities and challenges of accommodating religious diversity within democratic political systems
Political secularism vs post-secularism
- Political secularism seeks to maintain a clear separation between religion and the state, relegating religion to the private sphere
- Post-secularism acknowledges the blurring of boundaries between religion and politics and the need for new models of engagement and coexistence
- Emphasizes the importance of inclusive public discourse that recognizes the legitimacy of religious perspectives alongside secular ones
Post-secular public sphere
- Emergence of a public sphere that is open to the participation and contributions of religious actors and discourses alongside secular ones
- Challenges the assumption that public reason must be strictly secular and recognizes the potential for religious arguments to enrich public deliberation
- Requires the development of new norms and practices of civility, respect, and mutual understanding across religious and secular divides
Religion's role in post-secular governance
- Increased recognition of the potential for religious actors and institutions to contribute to governance and public service delivery (faith-based social services, religious peacemaking)
- Challenges to the neutrality and impartiality of secular state institutions in addressing the needs and concerns of religious communities
- Efforts to develop new models of collaboration and partnership between religious and secular actors in addressing social and political challenges
Post-secularism and science
- Post-secularism challenges the assumption of an inherent conflict between science and religion
- Recognizes the potential for constructive dialogue and mutual enrichment between scientific and religious perspectives
- Explores the ethical and existential implications of scientific discoveries and technological innovations for religious worldviews and practices
Science and religion in post-secular thought
- Rejection of simplistic narratives of science displacing religion or religion opposing science
- Recognition of the complex and multifaceted relationship between scientific and religious ways of knowing and understanding the world
- Emphasis on the complementarity and convergence of scientific and religious insights in addressing fundamental questions of meaning, purpose, and value
Post-secularism's critique of scientism
- Challenges the reductionist and materialist assumptions of scientism, which claims that science is the only valid source of knowledge and truth
- Recognizes the limitations and biases of scientific methods and the need for a more holistic and integrative approach to understanding reality
- Emphasizes the importance of ethical and existential dimensions of human experience that cannot be fully captured by scientific explanations
Reconciling science and religion post-secularly
- Efforts to develop new frameworks and models for integrating scientific and religious perspectives (theistic evolution, divine action, emergentism)
- Exploration of the spiritual and existential implications of scientific discoveries (cosmology, neuroscience, genetics) for religious beliefs and practices
- Promotion of interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration between scientists, theologians, and philosophers to address common challenges and concerns
Challenges to post-secularism
- Post-secularism faces various criticisms and challenges from both secular and religious perspectives
- Raises questions about the boundaries and limits of religious accommodation in pluralistic societies
- Requires ongoing negotiation and dialogue to address tensions and conflicts between different worldviews and value systems
Criticisms of post-secular theories
- Accusations of relativism and the erosion of secular norms and values
- Concerns about the privileging of religious perspectives over non-religious ones
- Skepticism about the possibility of genuine dialogue and understanding across deep religious and secular divides
Tensions between secularism and post-secularism
- Ongoing debates about the proper role and scope of religion in public life and the state
- Challenges to the neutrality and impartiality of secular institutions in accommodating religious diversity
- Conflicts between religious freedom and other fundamental rights and values (gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights)
Limits of post-secularism in pluralistic societies
- Difficulties in achieving consensus and compromise among diverse religious and secular groups with conflicting beliefs and practices
- Risks of fragmentation and polarization along religious and ideological lines
- Need for robust legal and institutional frameworks to protect individual rights and freedoms while promoting social cohesion and stability
Future of post-secularism
- Post-secularism is an evolving and dynamic paradigm that continues to shape contemporary debates and developments in religion, politics, and society
- Requires ongoing reflection, dialogue, and adaptation to address emerging challenges and opportunities in a globalized and interconnected world
- Offers new possibilities for imagining and constructing more inclusive, just, and sustainable societies that respect religious and cultural diversity
Evolving post-secular paradigms
- Emergence of new theoretical and empirical approaches to studying the changing relationship between religion, secularism, and modernity
- Incorporation of insights from various disciplines (sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy) to develop more nuanced and contextual understandings of post-secular realities
- Exploration of alternative models and frameworks for conceptualizing the secular and the religious beyond Western-centric assumptions and categories
Post-secularism in global perspective
- Recognition of the diverse and context-specific manifestations of post-secularism in different regions and cultures around the world
- Attention to the historical and political factors shaping the relationship between religion and secularism in postcolonial and non-Western contexts
- Examination of the transnational and global dimensions of post-secular dynamics, including the role of migration, media, and communication technologies in transforming religious landscapes
Shaping post-secular societies and institutions
- Efforts to develop new forms of governance, education, and social policy that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of religiously diverse populations
- Promotion of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, cooperation, and peacebuilding initiatives to foster mutual understanding and social cohesion
- Imagining and constructing post-secular futures that harness the positive potential of religion while mitigating its divisive and exclusionary tendencies
Key Terms to Review (19)
Charles Taylor: Charles Taylor is a Canadian philosopher known for his work in political philosophy, the philosophy of language, and the philosophy of social science. He has significantly contributed to discussions on multiculturalism, secularism, and the role of religion in modern societies, particularly in the context of post-secularism which examines the ongoing relevance and influence of religion in a supposedly secular age.
Cognitive dissonance: Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when an individual experiences discomfort or tension resulting from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously. This dissonance often leads people to seek harmony by changing their beliefs, acquiring new information, or minimizing the importance of the conflict. In the context of post-secularism, cognitive dissonance plays a significant role as individuals navigate their spiritual beliefs alongside modern secular ideas.
Critical Realism: Critical realism is a philosophical approach that combines a realist ontology, which asserts the existence of an objective reality independent of human perception, with a critical epistemology that emphasizes the importance of understanding the social context and the mechanisms that shape our knowledge of that reality. This perspective advocates for a deeper investigation into how social structures and power dynamics influence knowledge production, urging a more nuanced understanding of both science and spirituality.
Dialogical engagement: Dialogical engagement refers to a dynamic and reciprocal interaction between diverse perspectives, particularly in the context of understanding and integrating different worldviews, such as science and religion. This approach emphasizes the importance of open communication, active listening, and critical reflection, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of each other's beliefs while fostering mutual respect and learning.
Faith-based initiatives: Faith-based initiatives are programs and services that are operated or supported by religious organizations to address social issues, often with the assistance of government funding or partnerships. These initiatives reflect a blend of spiritual values and community service, aiming to tackle problems like poverty, addiction, and education while also promoting the role of faith in public life. They emerged prominently in the late 20th century as a response to growing social challenges and increasing interest in integrating faith with public policy.
Integrative Studies: Integrative studies is an interdisciplinary approach that combines multiple fields of knowledge and methodologies to address complex questions or issues. It promotes the blending of insights from diverse academic disciplines, encouraging a holistic understanding of topics that do not fit neatly within traditional boundaries, especially in post-secular contexts.
José Casanova: José Casanova is a prominent sociologist and religious scholar known for his work on the dynamics of religion in contemporary society, particularly in the context of post-secularism. His contributions emphasize the ongoing significance of religion in public life and how it interacts with modernity, challenging the traditional view that secularization leads to the decline of religious belief and practice.
Jürgen Habermas: Jürgen Habermas is a German philosopher and sociologist known for his work on the public sphere and communicative action. His ideas have significantly influenced discussions on democracy, rational discourse, and the role of religion in the modern world, particularly in the context of post-secularism, where traditional secularism is challenged by the resurgence of religious discourse in public life.
Neo-spirituality: Neo-spirituality refers to a modern movement that blends elements of traditional spirituality with contemporary beliefs and practices, often emphasizing personal experience and self-discovery over organized religion. This term captures the shift towards individualized spiritual practices that prioritize personal growth, mindfulness, and holistic well-being, often influenced by various religious and philosophical traditions.
Post-secularism: Post-secularism refers to a socio-cultural condition in which religious beliefs and practices regain relevance and influence in public life, despite the ongoing process of secularization. This concept challenges the idea that modern societies inevitably become more secular, suggesting instead that religion can coexist with secularism and even thrive in contemporary contexts. Post-secularism highlights the interplay between faith and reason, and emphasizes the importance of understanding how spiritual perspectives continue to shape personal identities and societal values.
Religious pluralism: Religious pluralism is the acknowledgment and acceptance of a diversity of religious beliefs and practices within a society, emphasizing the idea that multiple religions can coexist and have value. This concept challenges exclusive claims to truth made by individual religions and promotes dialogue and understanding among different faiths, encouraging a more inclusive approach to spirituality and belief systems.
Religious Resurgence: Religious resurgence refers to the revival and increased prominence of religious beliefs and practices in public life, often in response to perceived secularization and modernity. This phenomenon can manifest through various movements that seek to reclaim religious identity, values, and community engagement, leading to a reassertion of faith in political, social, and cultural spheres.
Religious revival: A religious revival is a significant increase in religious enthusiasm and activity, often characterized by large gatherings, renewed faith, and a push for personal and communal transformation. These events typically aim to reinvigorate spiritual beliefs and practices, countering secular trends and revitalizing the community's connection to the sacred.
Sacred secularism: Sacred secularism is a concept that seeks to create a balance between secular governance and respect for religious values, suggesting that while a state operates independently of religious influence, it acknowledges the importance of spirituality in the public sphere. This notion promotes the idea that religion and secularism can coexist harmoniously, allowing for a pluralistic society where diverse beliefs can be represented without the dominance of any one ideology. It encourages dialogue and understanding between religious and secular perspectives.
Science and religion dialogue: Science and religion dialogue refers to the ongoing conversation and interaction between scientific inquiry and religious beliefs, where both fields seek to understand and explain the nature of reality. This dialogue explores how scientific discoveries can coexist with spiritual beliefs, addressing tensions and promoting a deeper understanding of both realms. It aims to foster collaboration, mutual respect, and insights that can emerge when science and faith engage with one another.
Science in religious education: Science in religious education refers to the integration of scientific principles and methodologies into religious teaching and understanding, aiming to bridge the gap between faith and empirical inquiry. This approach promotes dialogue between scientific findings and spiritual beliefs, encouraging students to explore how both realms can coexist and inform one another. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, questioning, and understanding the natural world while also considering moral and ethical implications rooted in religious teachings.
Secularization: Secularization is the process through which religion loses its social significance and influence, leading to a separation between religious institutions and state affairs. This shift often results in the decline of religious authority over public life, as society becomes more oriented towards secular values and norms. Secularization can manifest in various forms, including changes in personal belief systems, institutional structures, and cultural practices.
Spiritual but not religious: The phrase 'spiritual but not religious' refers to individuals who seek spiritual experiences and connections outside of traditional religious frameworks. This perspective emphasizes personal spirituality, individual beliefs, and practices rather than adherence to organized religion. People identifying as spiritual but not religious often blend elements from various belief systems, creating a unique and personalized approach to spirituality.
The role of religion in environmental movements: The role of religion in environmental movements refers to the ways religious beliefs, values, and organizations influence efforts to promote ecological sustainability and address environmental issues. This involvement can manifest through stewardship concepts, the moral imperative to care for creation, and activism that intertwines faith with environmental justice, often seen in post-secular contexts where traditional religious narratives intersect with modern ecological concerns.