The secularization thesis has been in a position of constant development for ages. Philosophers, scholars, and religious figures have developed and broadened the thesis throughout centuries, reshaping it to what they believe is a reflection of society. In general, the thesis supports a process within society where religion loses significance.

The thesis was heavily debated in the 1960s, resulting in many different theories. For example, Max Weber believed the cultural shifts in society away from structured religion were due to rationality and the development of science as a substitute for superstition. Weber called this the “disenchantment of the world.”

Photo of sociologist Max Weber by Alamy stock photos.

While Bryan Wilson, who studied at Oxford University, believes societies relationship with religion has changed. Linda Woodhead, professor at Lancaster University has long studied the thesis, in particular Wilson’s view.

“What’s changed, is that religion doesn’t have the same status in society,” Woodhead said regarding Wilson’s belief. “Whereas before the political ruler and religious elites would have to be in compensation with each other.”

So, the base belief is that religion is losing power in our society in some way, for some reason. It no longer is the central point in many people’s lives as they begin to turn away from religious institutions. But, before one can debate whether the secularization thesis is actually happening in American society today, we must address what it is we mean when we say “religion,” and how can we connect this definition to a diminishing belief. 

When studying religion in America, it’s easy to focus on Christianity, because we live in a Western country that has been the colonizer, not the colonized. Loyola religious studies professor, Dr. Mark Lester, makes the argument that this view needs to be considered when asking if the secularization thesis is correct. 

“Critiquing the secularization thesis is important because it has—implicitly or explicitly—shaped some ways of thinking about and discussing colonized and formerly colonized regions and peoples,” Lester said. 

Further, the secularization thesis was originally developed around a European society, the core to this thesis leaves out hundreds of religious practices that are ever present today. Practices that are very much present in America, and especially in Rogers Park. 

Graphic comic featured in John A. Coleman’s article.

It’s wrong to claim that religion is diminishing in society today. If we look at Christianity, many are worried as younger generations leave the church and COVID has taken a toll on the number of participants. Although, many younger generations are still ‘religious,’ they just don’t actively participate in religion as an institution.

“While I think that the secularization thesis is wrong insofar as people are not moving away from all religious practices universally; there have been demographic … in America away from affiliation with Roman Catholics, Mainline Protestant, and Evangelical denominations,” Lester said.

Some, primarily younger people, have begun to define themselves as “spiritual.” Often those who define themselves in this way are taking the aspects of their previous religion that they believe to be important and abandoning the teachings they disagree with. 

One can argue this is religion. Perhaps religion is merely changing in ways we haven’t yet recognized.

“When we expand our scope beyond just Christian religious practice, it is my belief that there is a considerable amount of change and adaptation going on,” Lester said.