Beyond Doubt : The Secularization of Society

Phil Zuckerman

ISBN 10: 1479814288 / ISBN 13: 9781479814282

Published by New York University Press Mai 2023, 2023

About this Item

Neuware - Demonstrates definitively that the secularization thesis is correct, and religion is losing its grip on societies worldwide In the decades since its introduction, secularization theory has been subjected to doubt and criticism from a number of leading scholars, who have variously claimed that it is wrong, flawed, or incomplete. In Beyond Doubt, Isabella Kasselstrand, Phil Zuckerman, and Ryan T. Cragun mount a strong defense for the theory, providing compelling evidence that religion is indeed declining globally as a result of modernization. Though defenses of secularization theory have been mounted in the past, we now have many years' worth of empirical data to illuminate trends, and can trace changes not just at a given point in time but over a trajectory. Drawing on extensive survey data from nations around the world, the book demonstrates that, in spite of its many detractors, there is robust empirical support for secularization theory. It also engages with the most prominent criticisms levied against the theory, showing that data that are said to refute the narrative of religious decline are easily explainable and in keeping with the broader tendency toward secularization. Beyond simply defending secularization theory, the authors endeavor to formalize it, offering clear definitions of relevant terms and creating propositions that can be repeatedly and accurately tested. Beyond Doubt offers the strongest argument to date for the existence of a global secularization trend, and will be a vital resource for students and scholars alike who study religion and secularism.

Seller Inventory # 9781479814282

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Beyond Doubt : The Secularization of Society
• Publisher: New York University Press Mai 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1479814288
• ISBN 13: 9781479814282
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 228W x 154H x 17D millimeters 228 millimeters width by 154 millimeters height by 17 millimeters depth
• Weight: 372 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Demonstrates definitively that the secularization thesis is correct, and religion is losing its grip on societies worldwide

In the decades since its introduction, secularization theory has been subjected to doubt and criticism from a number of leading scholars, who have variously claimed that it is wrong, flawed, or incomplete. In Beyond Doubt, Isabella Kasselstrand, Phil Zuckerman, and Ryan T. Cragun mount a strong defense for the theory, providing compelling evidence that religion is indeed declining globally as a result of modernization.

Though defenses of secularization theory have been mounted in the past, we now have many years’ worth of empirical data to illuminate trends, and can trace changes not just at a given point in time but over a trajectory. Drawing on extensive survey data from nations around the world, the book demonstrates that, in spite of its many detractors, there is robust empirical support for secularization theory. It also engages with the most prominent criticisms levied against the theory, showing that data that are said to refute the narrative of religious decline are easily explainable and in keeping with the broader tendency toward secularization.

Beyond simply defending secularization theory, the authors endeavor to formalize it, offering clear definitions of relevant terms and creating propositions that can be repeatedly and accurately tested. Beyond Doubt offers the strongest argument to date for the existence of a global secularization trend, and will be a vital resource for students and scholars alike who study religion and secularism.

About the Authors

Isabella Kasselstrand is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Aberdeen.

Phil Zuckerman is Professor of Secular Studies and Sociology and Associate Dean of Faculty, Secular Studies and Sociology Field Groups, Pitzer College. Among other books, he is the author of Strife in the Sanctuary: Religious Schism in a Jewish Community, as well as our Society Without God: What the Least Religious Nations Can Tell Us About Contentment and Beyond Doubt: The Secularization of Society.

Ryan T. Cragun is Professor of Sociology at the University of Tampa and coauthor of Beyond Doubt: The Secularization of Society.