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38
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Jamie
10/18/2022
Sociology
Beliefs in Society - Religion, Renewal and Choice
1,176
•
Oct 18, 2022
•
Understanding the Decline of Religion and the Rise of New Religious Movements
Jamie
@jamie21
Religious Evolution and Spiritual Shopping
Modern religious expression has evolved into a more individualistic pursuit, characterized by personal choice and spiritual exploration. This represents a significant shift in how people engage with faith in contemporary society.
Vocabulary: Cultural amnesia refers to the loss of collective religious memory across generations.
Example: Young people increasingly approach religion as "spiritual shoppers," selecting beliefs and practices that resonate with their personal journey.
Definition: Pilgrims and converts represent two emerging religious types - pilgrims seek self-discovery, while converts seek community belonging.
Highlight: The trend towards greater social equality has significantly undermined traditional religious authority structures.
Digital Religion and Modern Faith
The emergence of digital platforms has revolutionized religious practice, creating new ways for people to engage with faith communities and spiritual content. This transformation reflects broader changes in how society approaches religion in the digital age.
Definition: Religion online refers to top-down communication from religious organizations, while online religion represents faith communities existing purely in digital spaces.
Example: Televangelism and electronic churches demonstrate how religious practices have become "disembedded" from traditional physical spaces.
Highlight: The internet has created new opportunities for religious expression and community building outside traditional institutional frameworks.
Quote: "The internet creates a range of opportunities for religious organisations and individuals to exploit."
Digital Religion and Community
The internet has revolutionized religious practice and community formation. Helland's distinction between "religion online" and "online religion" captures the diverse ways digital platforms facilitate religious engagement.
Definition: "Religion online" represents institutional religious communication, while "online religion" exists purely in digital space.
Example: Pagan communities finding global connection and self-worth through online networks demonstrates the power of digital religious communities.
Highlight: Digital platforms serve both as supplements to traditional religious practice and as spaces for entirely new forms of religious expression.
The Spiritual Revolution
Evidence suggests a significant shift from traditional religious practices to new religious movements and spiritual beliefs. This transformation is particularly visible in the growing market for spiritual and self-help literature.
Example: Heelas and Woodhead's Kendal study revealed that while traditional church attendance declined, evangelical churches maintained their appeal.
Highlight: The success of religious organizations increasingly depends on their ability to appeal to personal spiritual needs rather than institutional authority.
Religious Market Theory
Stark and Bainbridge's religious market theory challenges conventional secularization narratives by proposing that religious diversity and choice drive continued engagement with faith.
Definition: Compensators are religious promises that address human needs when immediate rewards are unavailable.
Highlight: The theory suggests that people are naturally religious and seek rewards while avoiding costs in their spiritual choices.
Critiques of Religious Market Theory
Scholars have raised significant challenges to religious market theory, particularly regarding its applicability outside the American context and its assumptions about human nature.
Quote: Bruce argues that religious diversity has actually accompanied decline rather than growth in both Europe and America.
Highlight: The theory's assumption that people are naturally religious has been criticized as unsociological.
Traditional Religion to Modern Choice
Grace Davie's analysis reveals a fundamental shift from religious obligation to consumption-based faith practices. This transformation marks a significant change in how people engage with religion in contemporary society.
Definition: Vicarious religion refers to faith practiced by an active minority on behalf of a largely passive majority.
Example: The decline in infant baptisms in England and France demonstrates the shift from obligatory religious practices to personal choice.
Highlight: While 72% of people identified as Christian in census results, research shows this often reflects cultural rather than religious identity.
Quote: "Most people don't normally go to church or pray but they remain attached to the church as an institution."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding the Decline of Religion and the Rise of New Religious Movements
Jamie
@jamie21
The rise of new religious movementsand changing patterns in religious participation mark a significant shift from traditional religious obligations to personal spiritual choices. Religious engagement is evolving through digital platforms, spiritual marketplaces, and individualized belief systems, while traditional institutional... Show more
Religious Evolution and Spiritual Shopping
Modern religious expression has evolved into a more individualistic pursuit, characterized by personal choice and spiritual exploration. This represents a significant shift in how people engage with faith in contemporary society.
Vocabulary: Cultural amnesia refers to the loss of collective religious memory across generations.
Example: Young people increasingly approach religion as "spiritual shoppers," selecting beliefs and practices that resonate with their personal journey.
Definition: Pilgrims and converts represent two emerging religious types - pilgrims seek self-discovery, while converts seek community belonging.
Highlight: The trend towards greater social equality has significantly undermined traditional religious authority structures.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Digital Religion and Modern Faith
The emergence of digital platforms has revolutionized religious practice, creating new ways for people to engage with faith communities and spiritual content. This transformation reflects broader changes in how society approaches religion in the digital age.
Definition: Religion online refers to top-down communication from religious organizations, while online religion represents faith communities existing purely in digital spaces.
Example: Televangelism and electronic churches demonstrate how religious practices have become "disembedded" from traditional physical spaces.
Highlight: The internet has created new opportunities for religious expression and community building outside traditional institutional frameworks.
Quote: "The internet creates a range of opportunities for religious organisations and individuals to exploit."
Digital Religion and Community
The internet has revolutionized religious practice and community formation. Helland's distinction between "religion online" and "online religion" captures the diverse ways digital platforms facilitate religious engagement.
Definition: "Religion online" represents institutional religious communication, while "online religion" exists purely in digital space.
Example: Pagan communities finding global connection and self-worth through online networks demonstrates the power of digital religious communities.
Highlight: Digital platforms serve both as supplements to traditional religious practice and as spaces for entirely new forms of religious expression.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Spiritual Revolution
Evidence suggests a significant shift from traditional religious practices to new religious movements and spiritual beliefs. This transformation is particularly visible in the growing market for spiritual and self-help literature.
Example: Heelas and Woodhead's Kendal study revealed that while traditional church attendance declined, evangelical churches maintained their appeal.
Highlight: The success of religious organizations increasingly depends on their ability to appeal to personal spiritual needs rather than institutional authority.
Religious Market Theory
Stark and Bainbridge's religious market theory challenges conventional secularization narratives by proposing that religious diversity and choice drive continued engagement with faith.
Definition: Compensators are religious promises that address human needs when immediate rewards are unavailable.
Highlight: The theory suggests that people are naturally religious and seek rewards while avoiding costs in their spiritual choices.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Critiques of Religious Market Theory
Scholars have raised significant challenges to religious market theory, particularly regarding its applicability outside the American context and its assumptions about human nature.
Quote: Bruce argues that religious diversity has actually accompanied decline rather than growth in both Europe and America.
Highlight: The theory's assumption that people are naturally religious has been criticized as unsociological.
Traditional Religion to Modern Choice
Grace Davie's analysis reveals a fundamental shift from religious obligation to consumption-based faith practices. This transformation marks a significant change in how people engage with religion in contemporary society.
Definition: Vicarious religion refers to faith practiced by an active minority on behalf of a largely passive majority.
Example: The decline in infant baptisms in England and France demonstrates the shift from obligatory religious practices to personal choice.
Highlight: While 72% of people identified as Christian in census results, research shows this often reflects cultural rather than religious identity.
Quote: "Most people don't normally go to church or pray but they remain attached to the church as an institution."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user