Religion re-emerging - The role of religion in legitimating integration and power in modern societies

Journal/Book: Int Sociol. 1998; 13: 6 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PU, England. Sage Publications Ltd. 249-272.

Abstract: Religion has re-emerged on the worldwide political arena. This should not be written off as a temporary reaction against a necessary process of modernization. An advanced industrial society does not require religion to be separated from politics. The borderline between religion and politics is fluid and constantly contested. Even absolutist regimes in modern societies have sought legitimacy through religion. Today, religion mainly re-emerges voicing a moral protest against political elites who are seen as corrupt and immoral. Such a protest may refer to ethical standards from the Fast However, a religious protest does not necessarily try to re-establish the old social structures. The functional logic of secularization can be regarded as an ideology which supports a specific Fewer structure, and which tries to insulate a political elite from a moral critique.

Note: Article Riis O, Aarhus Univ, Inst Relig Videnskab, Teol Fak, DK-8000 Aarhus C, DENMARK

Keyword(s): ideology; politics; religion; resacralization; secularism

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