Religion Revivalism | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

What is Religion Revivalism?

Religious revivalism refers to mass movements that are centered around intense religious upheaval and aim to restore commitment and attachment to a particular religious tradition. These periodic revivals are observable features of various religious traditions and often occur in response to a perceived decline in religious values and practices.

• In the 18th century, revivalism was observed in Western society among Methodists. In India, the Arya Samaj is one of the most significant revivalist movements, which was based on the Shudhi movement. The movement aimed to convert Hindus back to their original faith who had converted to other religions. This had a profound impact on Hindus, particularly those of lower castes who sought to improve their social status through conversion to other religions. The Arya Samaj also promoted gender equality, specifically in education for women.
• Religious revivalism can manifest in various forms, including increased institutional attendance, growth of religious institutions and phenomena such as sects, cults, and denominations, a rise in individuals seeking spiritual peace through personal religious practices, and the growth of fundamentalist ideas.
• While some scholars argue that religion is being channeled into new directions as traditional religions lose their hold, others maintain that these movements remain peripheral to society as a whole, even if they make a profound impact on the lives of their individual followers. Critics of new religious movements point out their fragmentation, disorganization, and high turnover rates, suggesting that participation in these movements may not represent a serious religious commitment.
• In the contemporary context, the rise of religious consciousness and the growth of religious revivalism present significant challenges to the pluralistic, secular, and egalitarian character of civil society.

What are the various Causes of Religious Revivalism?

Various factors contribute to the resurgence of religious revivalism in today's globalized world. These factors often stem from the social, economic, and political transitions that people experience, ultimately leading them to seek solace and identity through religion.

• One significant factor contributing to religious revivalism is the increasing migration and urbanization experienced by many individuals. As people move to new environments, they often feel a sense of insecurity and alienation. They may turn to religious institutions and practices to establish their identities and validate their experiences in these unfamiliar surroundings.
• Another reason for the revival of institutionalized religion is the growing visibility of religious organizations in the media. Over the past decade, the expansion of media platforms has allowed religious institutions with significant resources to gain more visibility, leading to a perceived increase in religious activity.
• The feeling of socio-cultural and economic inequality in the world also contributes to religious revivalism. People may seek refuge in religion to cope with the dislocation and alienation they experience as a result of these perceived inequalities.
• Migrant communities, in particular, tend to display increased religious adherence. This can be attributed to both sociological and cultural reasons. For instance, individuals from migrant communities may find comfort and camaraderie in religious venues that cater to their specific cultural backgrounds, such as a temple for Tamil people or a Bengali mosque for Bangladeshis. These religious spaces can provide a sense of belonging and identity for those who feel marginalized in their new environments.

Religious revivalism is driven by various factors, including migration and urbanization, media visibility, socio-cultural and economic inequalities, and the need for individuals to establish their identities in an increasingly globalized world. Understanding these factors can help us better comprehend the resurgence of religious activity and its implications for society.

How it imposes socio-economic insecurities?

• Socio-economic insecurities can arise from various factors, including the fear of job loss, feeling alienated in a multicultural environment, and the sense of belonging and identity. These insecurities can be exacerbated when individuals feel marginalized in a particular context.
• In a rapidly changing world, people may experience increased individuation, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and insecurity. This can be particularly prevalent among younger individuals who may be anxious about finding a job, and middle-aged individuals who fear losing their jobs or becoming ill.
• Moreover, there is a growing sense of political insecurity that stems from the heightened awareness of identities, both majority and minority. This can lead to feelings of insecurity among various groups. For instance, young Australians might feel threatened by the perception that Indians are taking their jobs, leading to Indians mobilizing based on their shared identity.

What it has lead to?

The feeling of insecurity arising from the new consumerism and globalization of the economy has led to increased expectations and a sense of instability due to the "hire and fire" culture. As a result, many people, particularly the youth and those in middle age, are seeking solace in various spiritual markets.

• In India, religious revivalism has been observed through the emergence of various movements and new religious movements (NRMs). In the 19th century, the rise of the Arya Samaj and the Brahmo Samaj movements were a response to the growing British influence and their challenge to Hindu traditions. These movements laid the foundation for other NRMs, such as Ramakrishna's Vedanta movement, which aimed to make Vedanta philosophy and practice more accessible to Western audiences.
• Another NRM that emerged was the Transcendental Meditation movement led by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Additionally, the Hare Krishna movement, which has strong connections to the 12th-century Bhakti movement, also gained prominence. Furthermore, the cult founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as Acharya Rajneesh and later as Osho, also contributed to the religious revivalism in India.

Conclusion

Religious revivalism is a multifaceted phenomenon that arises from various social, economic, and political factors. As individuals face insecurities stemming from urbanization, migration, media visibility, and socio-cultural and economic inequalities, they may seek solace and identity through religious institutions and practices. The resurgence of religious movements and the emergence of new religious movements in various parts of the world demonstrate the enduring role of religion in providing a sense of belonging and stability for people navigating an increasingly globalized and complex world. Understanding the factors driving religious revivalism can help us better comprehend its implications for society and the challenges it presents to pluralistic, secular, and egalitarian values.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Religious Revivalism

 What is religious revivalism, and how does it manifest in society?

Religious revivalism refers to mass movements centered around intense religious upheaval, aiming to restore commitment and attachment to a particular religious tradition. It can manifest in various forms, including increased institutional attendance, growth of religious institutions, a rise in individuals seeking spiritual peace through personal religious practices, and the growth of fundamentalist ideas.

What are some historical examples of religious revivalism?

Some historical examples of religious revivalism include the Methodist revival in the 18th century in Western society, the Arya Samaj movement in India, and the rise of new religious movements (NRMs) such as the Hare Krishna movement and the Transcendental Meditation movement.

What factors contribute to the resurgence of religious revivalism in today's globalized world?

Factors contributing to the resurgence of religious revivalism include increasing migration and urbanization, media visibility, socio-cultural and economic inequalities, and the need for individuals to establish their identities in an increasingly globalized world.

How do socio-economic insecurities play a role in religious revivalism?

Socio-economic insecurities can arise from various factors, including the fear of job loss, feeling alienated in a multicultural environment, and the need for a sense of belonging and identity. These insecurities can lead individuals to seek solace and identity through religion, contributing to the growth of religious revivalism.

How has religious revivalism impacted the socio-economic landscape in countries like India?

In India, religious revivalism has led to the emergence of various movements and new religious movements (NRMs), which have had a significant impact on the socio-economic landscape. These movements often promote social reform, such as the Arya Samaj movement, which advocated for gender equality in education. However, religious revivalism can also pose challenges to the pluralistic, secular, and egalitarian character of civil society.