Do We Need an Alternative to the Disenchantment Narrative? Assessing Joas' Criticism of Weber against the Enduring Merit of the Concept and Theory of Disenchantment

Abstract

Abstract: One of the central claims of Hans Joas' The Power of the Sacred is that Weber's narrative of the disenchantment of the world is in dire need of replacement by a more viable alternative. In his view, the disenchantment narrative not only fails to function as a correct explanation for the genesis and identity of Western modernity, but has a misleading effect on theoretical developments concerning the future of religion as well. Accordingly, Joas aims to liberate academic research from the lasting and disruptive influence of Weber's views of disenchantment. Not only does he reject Weber's term 'disenchantment' as a useful and unambiguous concept , he also discards it as a correct conceptualization of a long and linear historical process . This article expresses appreciation for Joas' challenging endeavor and its deeper intentions, yet ultimately finds his interpretation of Weber untenable on both counts. It critically assesses Joas' position by examining key components of the book where his twofold argumentation is constructed and by developing an alternative interpretation. The upshot of the analysis is to argue that nuance and redefinition are far more fruitful than elimination, and that both the concept and the theory of disenchantment remain meaningful tools for academic research. In one word, while endorsing Joas' invitation for a more in-depth examination of the concept and history of disenchantment, the article defends the enduring theoretical merit of Weber's disenchantment narrative.