Introduction
One of the ideas introduced in class is the secularization theory. The concept refers to how religion loses social and cultural values to conform to Western standards. As a result of this idea, it is believed that religious societies lack the cultural identity and power to control most of the activities in the community (Briggs, 2017).
Discussion
Proponents believe that the theory created a plural world where religion takes different versions (Lechner, 1992). Subsequently, these members accept that the divergent versions of religion have further resulted in misunderstanding among the various religious groups (Briggs, 2017). Contrary, opponents of the idea believe that it needs to create the right operations standards within religious communities. Therefore, this paper explains the theory’s meaning, utilization, and value in society.
Secularization theory is a powerful idea that would help one to understand where there is a high level of emergence of the diverse forms of religion across the globe. For instance, one can confirm that secularization has resulted in many conservative family values and religious practices (Secularization and Transformation of Faith, 2009). Members of this catholic group have shown unquestioning devotion to their religious practices (Russia Rise in the Conservative Values, 2017). Even though Christian values have continued to deny the concept’s validity, some elites still believe that it is the only perfect way of creating unique authority on the plural religious groups across the globe.
Conclusion
I have utilized the theory to understand the film watched, “Russia’s Rise in conservative family values.” As a scholar, the theory has allowed me to accept the new level of secularization experienced in Russia. I have learned to accept the possible emergence of various forms of religion and why they conform to different patterns. I have learned the essence of the video, its contents, and why the author had to use it to explain the theory to the audience.
References
Briggs, D. (2017). Are Black Americans the Most Religious – and Virtuous – of All? Web.
Russia’s rise in conservative family values | Unreported World. (2017) YouTube Video. Web.
Secularization and the Transformation of Faiths. (2009). YouTube Video. Web.
Lechner, F. J. (1992). Secularization. Social Forces, 71(1), 1-7.