Assess the view that science has replaced religion as the main ideological influence in society today. 33.

On the one hand it is argues that science has replaced religion as the main ideological function because of the increase in technology, science, and secularisation. However, on the other hand it is argued that religion is still influential and evident in society because of the functions is still performs, thus science has not replaced religion. in comparison to these two views, Marxists and Feminists argue that nor science nor religion are the main ideological influences, rather capitalism and patriarchy are the main ideological influences in society.

Firstly, science has replaced religion as the main ideological influence in society because of the enormous impact it has had on society over the last few centuries. This has led to a widespread faith in science. The key feature of science is that it has cognitive power; it can explain, predict and control the world. The fact that religion is declining shows that science has replaced religion. for example, in 2005 only 6.3% of the population attended church on Sundays, which is half of the figures in the 1960s. There also less church clergy now, e.g. in 19000 here were 45000 clergy whereas in 2000 it was 34000. Thus this shows that religion has declined, and this can be attributed to the fact that science is taking over.

On the other hand, Davies argues that religion is still the main ideological influence in society today. Davies argues that we now believe without belonging. In comparison to the past, we know have more freedom and choice in going to the church; it is no longer seen as an obligation to go to the church. Davies argues that people still have religious beliefs although they may not attend church. Lyon further adds that due to globalisation, religion has been disembedded from its original