Secularization: In Defence of an Unfashionable Theory

by Steve Bruce

Overview

The decline in power, popularity and prestige of religion across the modern world is not a short-term or localized trend nor is it an accident. It is a consequence of subtle but powerful features of modernization. Renowned sociologist, Steve Bruce, elaborates the secularization paradigm and defends it against a wide variety of recent attempts at rebuttal and refutation. Using the best available statistical and qualitative evidence Bruce considers the implications for the

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191612183
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	01/10/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	2 MB

Table of Contents

1. Describing Secularization
2. Explaining Secularization
3. Clarifying Secularization
4. Religion Outside the Churches
5. Contemporary Spirituality
6. Superstition
7. The Supply-side Alternative
8. Unexceptional America
9. Secularization Elsewhere
10. Will Conflict Reverse Secularization?

Editorial Reviews

"A profound book on an issue that ought to set the reader thinking."—Dr. R Balashankar

"Steve Bruce's work is insightful and informative. It provides both socio-historical as well as sociological explanations as to how his theory is applicable. I appreciate his concerns regarding methodology... the work is colorful and in-depth, and likely to give rise to future conversation on the topic." —Nova Religio

"Secularization does manage to make a significant contribution to the current debate as Bruce mobilizes a wealth of empirical data to provide a robust response to naysayers...Bruce has succeeded in bringing much-needed clarity to an often-contentious debate"—Religion

"The indefatigable Steve Bruce's latest book continues his longstanding advancement of the case for the explanatory relevance of the classical definition of secularization...Those who follow Bruce's work are never at a loss as to what his position is. He is to be congratulated for being prepared to take his views to their logical conclusion even if these jar with conventional sentiment. As always his view will stimulate further discussion."—Catholic Books Review

From the Publisher