Beyond Doubt by Isabella Kasselstrand

Author:Isabella Kasselstrand
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-12-10T07:32:25+00:00

6

Exceptions?

Some scholars have suggested that there are exceptions to seculariza-

tion.1 Typically, what is meant by an “exception” to secularization is a society that should be experiencing secularization given its level of

modernization, but is not; or a society that has seen an increase in reli-

giosity. Theories can, of course, include caveats for when they do not

work or when they are not relevant. In this chapter, we explore three

scenarios that may impede secularization: cultural defense, government

restrictions (or artificial religiosity), and forced secularization (or artificial secularization). Below, we explain what these presumed exceptions

entail and then consider each in light of the theory of secularization

that we delineated in chapter 1, as wel as the data we have presented

throughout this volume.

We are reluctant to consider these true exceptions since, when prop-

erly understood, secularization theory is actual y capable of explaining

each of these scenarios. Even so, it is important to examine these phe-

nomena, as it helps to clarify the theory of secularization.

Cultural Defense

The first exception that has been proposed is that secularization may

be unlikely to occur in modern societies where religion finds “some-

thing else to do” other than serve its traditional roles and/or functions.2

Traditional y, religion has helped people communicate with and suppli-

cate the supernatural and has provided a sense of understanding of the

natural world, like believing earthquakes are caused by angry gods.3 By

finding “something else to do,” religion is being used beyond these tra-

ditional functions to, for instance, provide a sense of common identity

for a group of people. This has been referred to as the “cultural defense”

exception and the most common examples were Ireland and Poland.4

The cultural defense exception is typical y understood to mean that if

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Exceptions? | 141

the beliefs, values, and behaviors of a given society are under attack or

are being threatened— usual y by a political or military force external

to that society— religion provides one of the key means to organize

those under threat and provide a unified sense of identity. As a result of

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