The Secularization of Society (David Martin)

The secularization of society, as described by David Martin, refers to the gradual process where religion becomes less central to people's daily lives, social institutions, and cultural identity. Over time, modern societies have seen a decline in religious authority and influence, with science, technology, and rational thought taking precedence. This shift does not necessarily mean people stop believing but indicates that religion's role in shaping societal norms, politics, and education diminishes, leading to a more pluralistic and secular public sphere, where diverse beliefs coexist with less reliance on religious frameworks for understanding the world.