postreligious

Postreligious is a term used to describe societies or individuals that no longer have a dominant or universally accepted religious framework. This does not necessarily mean the absence of religion, but rather a shift away from its central role in public life, culture, and individual identity. In a postreligious context, traditional religious institutions may have diminished influence, and belief systems are more diverse and often privatized.

This phenomenon is often associated with secularization, a process where religious authority and institutions lose social and cultural significance. However, postreligious does not equate to atheism or irreligion. Individuals in postreligious societies may still hold religious beliefs, but these beliefs are less likely to be dictated by a single, established tradition. Instead, they might engage in a more personal or syncretic approach to spirituality, drawing from various sources or creating their own belief systems.

The rise of postreligious societies is often linked to factors such as increased education, scientific advancement, globalization, and urbanization, which can challenge traditional religious narratives and offer alternative sources of meaning and community. In such contexts, the public sphere may be characterized by a plurality of worldviews, where religious and non-religious perspectives coexist. The concept also acknowledges that even in societies with declining religious adherence, religious ideas and practices can persist in modified forms or influence cultural norms and values.