As science has pushed back the boundaries of religious explanation, and as democracy has assumed authority in the state through the rule of law, pushing church authority further into the background, sociologists have hypothesized a thesis for the church's waning influence. Which of the following terms best frames this theoretical concept?
A) atheism thesis
B) reformation thesis
C) scientific thesis
D) secularization thesis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The secularization thesis suggests that as societies progress, particularly through advances in science and the development of democratic governance, the influence of religion on society and on individuals diminishes. This concept frames the idea that the role of the church and religious authority wanes in the face of scientific understanding and the rule of law.

As Science Has Pushed Back the Boundaries of Religious Explanation