Secularization: The Decline of the Supernatural Realm1

Volkan Ertit

doi:10.3390/rel9040092

Abstract

How to define and measure secularization is among the most fervent discussions in the literature on the sociology of religion. The perception of secularization only in terms of change in the social prestige and influence of religion has confined the discussion on secularization to a narrower perspective, both theoretically and empirically. This paper argues that the supernatural realm (of which religion is a part), rather than religion itself, should be at the center of discussions on secularization. Since the term “supernatural realm” is used as an all-embracing concept, the decline in the social prestige and influence of religion-like structures, folk beliefs, magic and so forth are also considered part of the discussions on secularization. This is because Abrahamic or official religions are not the only supernatural entities that have noticeable effects on the daily lives of individuals. The paper also maintains that to hold a discussion on secularization in a comprehensive manner, academic works require “a defined period of time and place” rather a single timeframe because secularization is not the description of a situation but the definition of a process. If secularization is defined as such, the frequency of prayers, the rates of going to church, or changes in the number of believers will not be primal in measuring secularization because of how the supernatural reflects itself on daily practices might be different in different societies or belief systems. Thus, the definition put forward in this paper, based on the supernatural realm, will enhance the understanding not only of radical secularization processes in modern Western Europe (and its offshoots) but also of the secularization processes of modernizing non-Western countries.

Highlights

When the matter of discussion is Christian communities, discussions on secularization tend to focus on the Bible and the Church (Berger et al 2008; Stark and Iannaccone 1996, p. 267; Voas and Crockett 2005, pp. 15–6)
If religion rather than the supernatural realm is put at the center of the definition of secularization, the discussions will be confined to a rather narrow perspective
Focusing on secularization in terms of the social decline in the influence of religion-like structures, that coincides with the sacralization of the secular domain, folk beliefs which continue to exist despite the dominant institutional-official religion, and all other supernatural beliefs which cannot be explained by the laws of physics, will all lead to an expansion in the empirical studies on the issue

Summary

Introduction

When the matter of discussion is Christian communities, discussions on secularization tend to focus on the Bible and the Church (Berger et al 2008; Stark and Iannaccone 1996, p. 267; Voas and Crockett 2005, pp. 15–6). On the other hand, when it comes to a community with a Muslim majority such as Turkey, discussions on secularization are based on the faith criteria and Islamic worshipping practices Karin van Nieuwkerk (Islam Studies, Radboud University, The Netherlands) for their time, advices, and supports. The perception of secularization only in terms of change in the social influence of religion confines the discussions to a narrower perspective, both theoretically and empirically. The paper discusses in detail the various definitions of secularization after the second half of the 20th century Contrary to these definitions that put religion at the center, a new definition of secularization will be suggested by positing the supernatural realm at the center. The paper argues that the scope of theoretical and empirical studies on secularization should be extended by means of the extended definition proposed in this paper

Why Should the Concept of Secularization Be Redefined?

What Does Secularization Mean?

Findings

Conclusions