Why Britain doesn't go to church
By James A Beckford
Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick
Tuesday, 17 February, 2004
Fewer and fewer Britons go to church but interest in spirituality appears to be growing - whether it is in astrology or yoga, New Age thinking or native religions.
Some medieval cathedrals such as Durham still dominate the skyline
An opinion poll carried out for the BBC programme "What the World thinks of God" shows organised religion remains strong in the US and the Islamic world. Professor James Beckford of the University of Warwick examines the changes in society and asks why. The decline of Christianity in Britain is nothing new.
More than 130 years ago, the poet, Matthew Arnold lamented the retreat of "the sea of faith".
Since Dover Beach was written, how much further has "the sea of faith" retreated from the shores of Western Europe? Not completely, but certainly a very long way.
Medieval churches dominated the landscape just as Christian ideas used to dominate our lives.
In today's world - in everything from economic affairs and personal morality to political, legal and cultural ideas - modern liberal Britain has new inspirations and new icons.
And traditional religion, it seems, is only for the few.
A large and growing number of people profess very few beliefs conforming to Christian orthodoxy.
Even fewer participate in the activities of Christian organisations.
There are of course still traces of Christian influence, but their significance as the driving force and guidance system of social life has plummeted. This is 'secularisation'.
Does this herald the end of religion or the death of God? No, it means that the major Christian churches are losing their former power - more rapidly in some places than others - and that competition is intensifying among the suppliers of would-be alternatives and replacements.
The race is on to re-package 'spirituality' and 'religion' for a generation of consumers who do not see themselves as church members; and if organised religion continues to fail to meet their needs, then others will provide.
What does this new generation of consumers want? There are clues in what they consume already.
Even though religion is not the most important institution or factor in social life it continues to be 'used' in many forms.
At the time of Princess Diana's death, millions wanted to lay flowers or sign books of condolences. In tragedy and disaster, religion is still a major source of symbols, sentiments and ceremonies. Pick and mix religion
But religion is also used for other purposes - the expression of joy as well as despair; or as therapy to fit around a busy, stressful life.
At the modern supermarket of faith, the consumer seeks to pick and mix religious items to match their commitment and interest.
And that brings dangers.
What should count as 'real' religion at a time when the sheer diversity of religions on offer may appear overwhelming?
Without clear guidance and regulation, who will protect the consumer from 'bogus' religions linked to exploitation or other crimes?
So what is the difference between we British and you Americans?:help:
By James A Beckford
Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick
Tuesday, 17 February, 2004
Fewer and fewer Britons go to church but interest in spirituality appears to be growing - whether it is in astrology or yoga, New Age thinking or native religions.
An opinion poll carried out for the BBC programme "What the World thinks of God" shows organised religion remains strong in the US and the Islamic world. Professor James Beckford of the University of Warwick examines the changes in society and asks why. The decline of Christianity in Britain is nothing new.
More than 130 years ago, the poet, Matthew Arnold lamented the retreat of "the sea of faith".
Since Dover Beach was written, how much further has "the sea of faith" retreated from the shores of Western Europe? Not completely, but certainly a very long way.
In today's world - in everything from economic affairs and personal morality to political, legal and cultural ideas - modern liberal Britain has new inspirations and new icons.
And traditional religion, it seems, is only for the few.
A large and growing number of people profess very few beliefs conforming to Christian orthodoxy.
Even fewer participate in the activities of Christian organisations.
There are of course still traces of Christian influence, but their significance as the driving force and guidance system of social life has plummeted. This is 'secularisation'.
Does this herald the end of religion or the death of God? No, it means that the major Christian churches are losing their former power - more rapidly in some places than others - and that competition is intensifying among the suppliers of would-be alternatives and replacements.
The race is on to re-package 'spirituality' and 'religion' for a generation of consumers who do not see themselves as church members; and if organised religion continues to fail to meet their needs, then others will provide.
What does this new generation of consumers want? There are clues in what they consume already.
Even though religion is not the most important institution or factor in social life it continues to be 'used' in many forms.
At the time of Princess Diana's death, millions wanted to lay flowers or sign books of condolences. In tragedy and disaster, religion is still a major source of symbols, sentiments and ceremonies. Pick and mix religion
But religion is also used for other purposes - the expression of joy as well as despair; or as therapy to fit around a busy, stressful life.
At the modern supermarket of faith, the consumer seeks to pick and mix religious items to match their commitment and interest.
And that brings dangers.
What should count as 'real' religion at a time when the sheer diversity of religions on offer may appear overwhelming?
Without clear guidance and regulation, who will protect the consumer from 'bogus' religions linked to exploitation or other crimes?
So what is the difference between we British and you Americans?:help:
