Discuss How Secularism Has Affected the Development of Christianity Since the Reformation. How Does Modern Christianity (Since 1600) Differ from Traditional Christianity (Before 1600 Ce)?
Historically, "secularization" first referred to the process of transferring property from religious jurisdiction to that of the state or other no religious authority. In this organizational sense, "secularization" still means the decline of formal religious authority for example; in education, prisons, and hotel room bedside tables. Institutional secularization has been fueled by the breakdown of a unified Christendom since the Reformation, on the one hand, and by the increasing validation of society and culture from the Enlightenment to modern scientific society, on the other. Some political analysts prefer the term "laicization" to describe this institutional secularization of society, that is, the replacement of official religious control by no religious authority.[1][2]
It is clear that these two forces represent opposite tendencies of thought. To insist upon the principles of traditional Christianity is to rob modern views of its very life; it opposes pessimism to the optimism of modern thought. And yet reconciliation between the two is not absolutely impossible. It can take place, however, only as the result of a modification of the current view of Christianity. A new conception of religion must make itself felt, and this change can be readily effected. It must center on the person of Jesus and must abandon its dogmatic system. In the person and in the preaching of Christ, as an historical phenomenon, we have the basis for an understanding between Christianity and the culture of our day. Jesus himself never accepted the total corruption of man as the basis of his preaching. Rather it was an ideal of moral perfection that he held up to his believers--of life in God and activity according to his will. [2]
Secularism has also influenced Western art since the Classical period, while most art of the last 200 years has been produced without suggestion to religion and often with no particular ideology at all. On the other hand, Western art has often been
It is clear that these two forces represent opposite tendencies of thought. To insist upon the principles of traditional Christianity is to rob modern views of its very life; it opposes pessimism to the optimism of modern thought. And yet reconciliation between the two is not absolutely impossible. It can take place, however, only as the result of a modification of the current view of Christianity. A new conception of religion must make itself felt, and this change can be readily effected. It must center on the person of Jesus and must abandon its dogmatic system. In the person and in the preaching of Christ, as an historical phenomenon, we have the basis for an understanding between Christianity and the culture of our day. Jesus himself never accepted the total corruption of man as the basis of his preaching. Rather it was an ideal of moral perfection that he held up to his believers--of life in God and activity according to his will. [2]
Secularism has also influenced Western art since the Classical period, while most art of the last 200 years has been produced without suggestion to religion and often with no particular ideology at all. On the other hand, Western art has often been
Bibliography: 1. Solomon, Jerry. "Christianity and Culture." Leadership University. 14 July 2002. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. 2. "Is Modern Christianity a Better Way to God?" ABCOG: Christian Living and Literature. Ed. James McBride. May-June 2001. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.