Modern Religion(s) in the Context of Globalisation: the Rise and Decline of Westphalian Religious Dominance

Peter Beyer

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Chapter 1 Modern Religion(s) in the Context of Globalisation: the Rise and Decline of Westphalian Religious Dominance

In: Countering the Global

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Peter Beyer

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 39–61

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004719064_004

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Abstract

Based on a distinction between how religion is observed and how it is socially operative, this chapter presents a historical analysis of the development of modern religion in the context of globalisation. The argument goes as follows: Religion in the context of modern globalisation has, in modern world history, structured itself primarily as a global religious system that expresses itself above all in the form of a plurality of distinct religions. Many, in particular the largest, of these religions have constructed themselves to a significant degree in a mutual relationship with the simultaneous construction of the modern global political system of sovereign territorial states. Other religions have constructed themselves with reference and sometimes in opposition to these ‘Westphalian’ religions. The process has not been even but reached its high point in the twentieth century. Scientific, observation of religion has not been entirely commensurate, but the religions have acted as standard reference points for such observation. In the later twentieth century, the decrease in the dominance of these large religions began to make itself more and more felt, but this has not happened in all parts of global society and the modern religions have not been replaced either by other religious forms or by other religions. The scientific observation of religion has shifted commensurately, with various suggestions for understanding the transformed situation. The argument styles the transformed situation in terms of a ‘post-Westphalian’ circumstance. This reflects an increasing pluralisation of religions, religious forms, and alternatives to religion, as well as a plurality of strengths of these various forms. The chapter discusses this rise, decline and pluralisation of religion with reference to a few of the primary research concerns of Margit Warburg, including the Baha’i Faith, new religions, and ‘civil religions’.

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Countering the Global

Anti-Global Religion, Global Dissent and Multiple Globalisms

Series: International Studies in Religion and Society, Volume: 37

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004719064

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 21 Feb 2025

Subjects
- Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
  - Religion & Society
  - Global Studies

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Chapter 1 Modern Religion(s) in the Context of Globalisation: the Rise and Decline of Westphalian Religious Dominance

Abstract

Citation Info

Share link with colleague or librarian

Countering the Global

Anti-Global Religion, Global Dissent and Multiple Globalisms

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