The secularisation thesis: Talking at cross purposes

This article does not seek to argue for or against any aspect of the secularisation thesis. It argues that careful attention to the definition of terms, together with a division of existing arguments relating to the thesis into a "Broad Approach"; and a "Narrow Approach"; would g...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of contemporary religion
Main Author: Hanson, Sharon (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Carfax Publ. [1997]
In: Journal of contemporary religion
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Description
Summary:This article does not seek to argue for or against any aspect of the secularisation thesis. It argues that careful attention to the definition of terms, together with a division of existing arguments relating to the thesis into a "Broad Approach"; and a "Narrow Approach"; would greatly assist in the clarification and evaluation of arguments concerning the secularisation thesis. It argues further that it is vital for historical data to be correctly researched, handled and applied. The article concludes that there is a significant amount of confusion caused by the failure to define terms and apply historical data with care. This makes it difficult to make headway with the secularisation debate or to evaluate properly the alternative model of "Desacralisation"; (Stark & Iannaccone, 1994), so that theorists are often talking at cross purposes.
ISSN:1469-9419
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of contemporary religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/13537909708580797