Why did religion become obsolete? Dr. Christian Smith, a renowned sociologist from the University of Notre Dame and author of the new book Why Religion Went Obsolete, joins us to explore the cultural shifts that have led to the decline of traditional religion in America since the 1990s. From the impact of neoliberal capitalism and postmodernism to the rise of the internet and changing family structures, Dr. Smith unpacks the complex forces reshaping faith. We also discuss the rise of alternative spiritualities, the role of Christian nationalism, and what this all means for society’s future. Don’t miss this deep dive into the sociology of religion and its place in modern America!
CHAPTERS:
(00:00 - Introduction)
(00:28 - What Does "Obsolete" Mean for Religion?)
(04:40 - What Happened in 1991?)
(08:28 - Cultural Fragmentation and the Digital Revolution)
(11:20 - How Neoliberal Capitalism Undermined Faith)
(13:08 - The Impact of Postmodernism)
(15:27 - September 11 and Religious Scandals)
(18:54 - Changing Family Structures and Religion)
(20:33 - Has Postmodernism Faded?)
(23:37 - Explaining the Decline: Causal Mechanisms)
(27:30 - Religion’s Self-Inflicted Wounds)
(29:48 - What Can Religious Communities Do?)
(31:41 - The Rise of Traditionalist Micro-Movements)
(34:15 - Has the Rise of the “Nones” Plateaued?)
(39:22 - Obsolescence and the Future of Religion)
(46:22 - Societal Impacts of Religious Decline)
(52:52 - Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendation)
Buy Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America - https://www.amazon.com/Why-Religion-Went-Obsolete-Traditional-ebook/dp/B0DXSZZYPF/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
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