Secularization

Over the last few centuries, and especially in the last few decades, Western
society has become increasingly secularized, meaning that religion plays a less
prominent role. The shift represents a dramatic cultural change whose effects
are still widely debated.

Definition
Secularization is a cultural transition in which religious values are gradually
replaced with nonreligious values. In the process, religious figureheads such as
church leaders lose their authority and influence over society.

In the field of sociology, the term is used to describe societies that have
become or are becoming modernized—meaning that features of society such as
the government, the economy, and schools are more distinct, or less
influenced by religion.

Individuals within a society may still practice a religion, but it is on an

individual basis. Decisions about spiritual matters are personal, family, or
culturally based, but religion itself does not have a large impact on society as a
whole.

In the Western World

Secularization in the United States is a hotly debated topic. America has been
considered a Christian nation for a long time, with many Christian values
guiding existing policies and laws. However, in the last few decades, with the
growth of other religions as well as atheism, the nation has become more
secularized.

In the United States, there have been movements to remove religion from
government-funded daily life, such as school prayer and religious events in
public schools. Further evidence of secularization can be seen in laws
overturning prohibitions on same-sex marriage.

While the rest of Europe embraced secularization relatively early, Great

Britain was one of the last to adapt. During the 1960s, Britain experienced a
cultural revolution that reshaped people's views on women's issues, civil
rights, and religion.

Over time, funding for religious activities and churches began to wane,
reducing the impact of religion on daily life. As a result, the country became
increasingly secularized.

Religious Contrast: Saudi Arabia

In contrast to the United States, Great Britain and most of Europe, Saudi
Arabia is an example of a country that has not experienced secularization.
Almost all Saudis identify as Muslims.

While there are some Christians, they are mainly foreigners, and they are not
allowed to openly practice their faith. Atheism and agnosticism are forbidden,
and such apostasy is punishable by death.

Because of strict attitudes toward religion, Saudi Arabia's laws, customs, and
norms are closely tied to Islamic law and teachings. The country has religious
police, known as Mutaween, who roam the streets enforcing religious laws
regarding dress codes, prayer, and the separation of men and women.

Daily life in Saudi Arabia is structured around religious rituals. Businesses

close several times a day for 30 minutes or more at a time to allow for prayer.
In schools, approximately half of the school day is dedicated to teaching
religious material. Almost all books published within the nation are religious
books.

Future of Secularization
Secularization has become a growing topic as more countries modernize and
shift away from religious values toward secular ones.

While many countries remain that are focused on religion and religious law,
there is increasing pressure from around the globe, especially from the United
States and its allies, for countries to secularize. Nevertheless, some regions
have actually become more religious, including parts of Africa and Asia.

Some scholars argue that religious affiliation itself is not the best measure of
secularization. They believe that a weakening of religious authority can occur
in certain areas of life without a corresponding change in the religious
identities of individuals.