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As modernisation and industrialisation occur across the globe trends of disenchantment are appearing across a variety of societies. Secularisation, as predicted during the 19th Century, is occurring across highly developed societies. Secularisation has questioned religion’s necessity: can society function without religion?
As an atheist, I have reserved feelings toward religion, though I am still highly stimulated by religious discussion. Religion, even in our ‘secular’ society, has continued to flourish. Many observers have suggested that modern capitalistic society depends on religion to support its economic and social structures by shrewdly introducing Heaven as ‘compensation’ for the proletariats’ lives of misfortune. As I see it, this is a blatant misuse of power and authority. This is why I remain atheist, yet fascinated, as the ‘divine juggernaut’ religion continues to consume the non-rational.
Religion has had many roles in society. Through time, religious culture in society has altered depending upon the environment in which it exists. Religion has been forced to evolve to accommodate changes in society brought about by globalisation, acculturation, modernisation, industrialisation, capitalism and secularisation.
Religion commands tremendous power, and influence in society. Through religion, elitists have been able to command society without significant conflict from the lower classes. Conservative capitalist governments have used religion to justify the gulfs between the socioeconomic environments of the bourgeoisie and the proletariats. That is until secularisation appeared…
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