postsecularization

Postsecularization is a term used in sociology and religious studies to describe a complex phenomenon that is not simply a return to religion but a reconfiguration of its role and influence in public life. It suggests that the secularization thesis, which predicted the decline of religion with modernization, has proven incomplete or inaccurate. Instead of disappearing, religion is seen as adapting, becoming more diverse, and re-engaging with the public sphere in new ways. This can involve a resurgence of traditional religious practices, the rise of new spiritual movements, or a greater emphasis on religious identity in politics and culture.

The concept of postsecularization acknowledges that while some societies may have experienced a decline in institutionalized religion, religious beliefs and practices continue to shape individual lives and collective identities. It also recognizes that secularism itself is not a universally accepted or monolithic worldview and can be challenged by religious voices. Postsecularization does not necessarily imply a triumph of religion over secularism but rather a more fluid and contested relationship between the two. Scholars debate the precise nature and extent of postsecularization, with some arguing it is a global trend while others see it as more specific to certain regions or cultural contexts. The term highlights the ongoing relevance of religion in a world often characterized by scientific advancement and globalization.