Overview

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.

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9781441127853

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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

Author Information

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

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