
Secularization and Its Discontents
Rob Warner(Author)
Continuum Publishing Corporation
Published on 23. December 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
232 pages
978-1-4411-2785-3 (ISBN)
Description
This is an authoritative guide to contemporary debates and issues in the sociology of religion providing a clear examination of classical secularization and the post-secularization paradigm. "Secularization and Its Discontents" provides an illuminating overview of major current debates in the sociology of religion, exploring changing patterns of religious practice in the West during the past 150 years. Examining classical secularization theory as well as modified versions that allow for difference between national and social contexts, Rob Warner also explores the proposed post-secularization paradigm, as well as its close offshoot, rational choice theory. Possibilities for a spiritual revolution and the feminisation of religion are scrutinised, and also theories of the durability of conservative religion. The author goes on to develop a new interpretation of resilient religion from an analysis of 21st century trends in religious participation. These are categorised as entrepreneurial and experiential-therapeutic, before the volume finally focuses upon individual identity construction through autonomous religious consumption.
This book provides a clear and penetrating overview of theoretical frameworks and develops a new theoretical synthesis derived from fresh examination of empirical data, and will be of interest to academics and students in religious studies, practical theology and the sociology of religion.
This book provides a clear and penetrating overview of theoretical frameworks and develops a new theoretical synthesis derived from fresh examination of empirical data, and will be of interest to academics and students in religious studies, practical theology and the sociology of religion.
Reviews / Votes
"Professor Warner's overview of the sociological disagreements on the nature and extent of the secularization thesis is a major contribution to the debate. Clearly on the side of what he calls (following Freud) the 'discontents' of the theories he does not attempt to win others over to his view of things. This is not a book about mission or apologetics; it is a work of intellectual clarification and moral candour that looks for synthesis of opposing ideas where others see only contradictions." - Andrew Walker, King's College London, UK Named a Choice 'Outstanding Academic Title' of 2011 Rob Warner gives an overview that deftly and critically reviews the debates over secularization, subjecting extant arguments to both theoretical and empirical scrutiny ... Most impressive of all (at least for my analytical interests) is Warner's interpretive analysis of the "new" atheism. Where most treatments fall into polemics on one side or the other thanks to the polarizing rhetoric of the movement, Warner's analysis is clear-eyed and insightful, a real gem in a literature strewn with pyrite ... Warner's critical distance and erudition make this a valuable contribution to fiercely contested and important topics for understanding religion's role in the postindustrial world. The book would be useful as an introduction to secularization for advanced students but also has much to offer those already familiar with the disputes. It turns out that this balanced treatment of secularization is, in all earnestness, just what the fields engaged in these debates need. -- Joseph O. Baker, East Tennessee State University * The Journal of Religion and Popular Culture *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
357 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4411-2785-3 (9781441127853)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Rob Warner
Secularization and Its Discontents
E-Book
10/2010
1st Edition
Continuum Publishing Corporation
€39.99
Available for download
Person
Dr Rob Warner is Head of Theology, Religious and Islamic Studies at the University of Wales, Lampeter, UK. He lectures in Sociology of Religion and Practical Theology.
Content
Introduction; 1. Classical Secularization Theory; 2. Modified Secularization Theory; 3. A New Paradigm and RCT; 4. Is There a 'Spiritual Revolution'?; 5. The Durability of Conservative Religion; 6. Resilient religion: emerging trends; Bibliography; Index.