Religion and Modernity from the Viewpoint of Anthony Giddens

The theory of “late modernity” is the key to understand Giddens’ thought on religion and his critique of early sociologists. According to Giddens, religion has had two different phases in early and late modernity. The misunderstanding of the nature of the early modernity led to some wrong predictions about the future of religion as some sociologists claimed that religion would eventually disappear. However in late modernity, given its specific characteristics, appeal for religion and spirituality has increased. By surveying the outcomes of the modernity and criticizing the views of early sociologists (such as Marx, Durkheim and Weber) Giddens asserts that religion is not going to be abolish. Nevertheless, religious revival of late modernity does not indicate that religion will return to its traditional condition. A compromise between modernity and religion could be possible, provided that religion undergoes ongoing reflexivity and dialogue.