postsekularisaation

Postsekularisaation refers to a societal condition where secularization, the process of declining religious belief and the separation of religion from public life, is no longer the dominant or inevitable trend. Instead, it describes a period where religion, spirituality, and religious discourse re-emerge or persist in public spheres, influencing culture, politics, and social interactions in ways that were previously thought to be in decline.

This concept acknowledges that while secularization did occur and continues in certain contexts, it has not led to the complete eradication or privatization of religion. Instead, it suggests a complex interplay where religious ideas and institutions can regain prominence or adapt to modern, often secularized, environments. This can manifest in various forms, including the rise of new religious movements, the political engagement of religious groups, or the integration of spiritual or quasi-religious themes into popular culture.

Postsekularisaation does not necessarily imply a return to traditional religious dominance. Rather, it highlights the continued relevance and adaptability of religious and spiritual phenomena in a world that is not uniformly secular. It prompts a re-evaluation of the linear narrative of secularization, suggesting that the future of religion and its role in society is more nuanced and dynamic than previously assumed. Thinkers associated with this concept often explore the ways in which individuals and communities navigate religious and secular identities in contemporary life.