Secularization and Its Discontents

Description

Secularization and Its Discontents provides an illuminating overview of major current debates in the sociology of religion, exploring changing patterns of religious practice in the West during the past 150 years. Examining classical secularization theory as well as modified versions that allow for difference between national and social contexts, Rob Warner also explores the proposed post-secularization paradigm, as well as its close offshoot, rational choice theory. Possibilities for a spiritual revolution and the feminisation of religion are scrutinised, and also theories of the durability of conservative religion. The author goes on to develop a new interpretation of resilient religion from an analysis of 21st century trends in religious participation. These are categorised as entrepreneurial and experiential-therapeutic, before the volume finally focuses upon individual identity construction through autonomous religious consumption. This book provides a clear and penetrating overview of theoretical frameworks and develops a new theoretical synthesis derived from fresh examination of empirical data, and will be of interest to academics and students in religious studies, practical theology and the sociology of religion.

Dr Rob Warner is Professor of Religion, Culture and Society, and Dean of Humanities at the University of Chester, UK.

"Professor Warner's overview of the sociological disagreements on the nature and extent of the secularization thesis is a major contribution to the debate. Clearly on the side of what he calls (following Freud) the 'discontents' of the theories he does not attempt to win others over to his view of things. This is not a book about mission or apologetics; it is a work of intellectual clarification and moral candour that looks for synthesis of opposing ideas where others see only contradictions." - Andrew Walker, King's College London, UK Named a Choice 'Outstanding Academic Title' of 2011 Rob Warner gives an overview that deftly and critically reviews the debates over secularization, subjecting extant arguments to both theoretical and empirical scrutiny ... Most impressive of all (at least for my analytical interests) is Warner's interpretive analysis of the "new" atheism. Where most treatments fall into polemics on one side or the other thanks to the polarizing rhetoric of the movement, Warner's analysis is clear-eyed and insightful, a real gem in a literature strewn with pyrite ... Warner's critical distance and erudition make this a valuable contribution to fiercely contested and important topics for understanding religion's role in the postindustrial world. The book would be useful as an introduction to secularization for advanced students but also has much to offer those already familiar with the disputes. It turns out that this balanced treatment of secularization is, in all earnestness, just what the fields engaged in these debates need. -- Joseph O. Baker, East Tennessee State University * The Journal of Religion and Popular Culture *