(De)Secularization in the XXI Century: Empirical Verification of the Revitalization of Religiosity in Serbia

Radisavljević Ćiparizović, Dragana and Vuković, Ana (2020) (De)Secularization in the XXI Century: Empirical Verification of the Revitalization of Religiosity in Serbia. In: Contemporary religious changes: From desecularization to postsecularization : [processes, trends, extents and limits of religious changes in the contemporary world: (de)secularization, postsecularization, revitalization of religion...]. Yugoslav Society for the Scientific Study of Religion : Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University : Institute of Social Sciences, Niš ; Belgrade, pp. 21-30. ISBN 978-86-7093-229-6 (ISS) 978-86-86957-22-1 (JUNIR)

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Abstract

The purpos of this paper is a clarification of the terms and proceses of desecularization and modernity, wich are inevitable when one regards religious changes in modern postindustrial societies, as well as in postsocialist ones. Empirical reasrches confirm that even the most secular Western Europe does not have a homogenus religious society. In the second part of the paper the autores will use key empirical research in an attempt to show revitalisation of religion in Serbia as well. The nineteen-nineties brought war, crisis and transition, but they also brought a functional change for the Serbian Ortodox Church. This paper will address some of these changes: 1) religion is not just a personal thing any more, it assumes a certain place in the public sphere; 2) a new law of religious freedom (2006) changed the legal status of religious communities; 3) religious centers and temples are being rebuilt and built; 4) religions have gained their place in the media (public and private), and religious radio and tv stations are also created; 5) religious communities are reciving financial suport, as well as tax brakes from the state, and they are gradually taking control over their property which was previously nationalised. There is also an reemergence of Religious education in Primary and Secondary Schools, religious service in the military and in the hospitals, so it is necessary to monitor these processes in future.

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