Christianity: Religion and secularisation

This topic explores the relationship between Christianity and secularisation, a key debate in the sociology of religion. Secularisation refers to the declining influence of religion in public and private life, and this unit examines how Christianity in the UK has been affected by processes such as rationalisation, individualism, and the rise of alternative worldviews. Students will analyse statistical trends in church attendance, belief, and affiliation, as well as theoretical perspectives from sociologists like Peter Berger, Steve Bruce, and Grace Davie.

Understanding secularisation is crucial for evaluating the changing role of Christianity in modern Britain. The topic connects to broader debates about the nature of belief, the privatisation of religion, and the emergence of new spiritualities. It also requires critical engagement with counterarguments, such as the 'religious economy' model and the idea of 'believing without belonging'. Mastery of this topic enables students to assess the extent to which the UK can be described as a secular society and to evaluate the future of Christianity in a pluralistic context.

Within the AQA A-Level Religious Studies specification, this topic sits under the 'Religion and Society' component. It builds on earlier study of Christian beliefs and practices, and it links to themes like religion and social change, and the relationship between religion and science. Students are expected to use sociological evidence and philosophical arguments to construct balanced, well-supported essays.