Modernizatoin and Religion

                Modernization is the term used to describe the spread of new technologies.  These new technologies can affect society in many ways.  These social changes from new technology can cause social movements, such as new religions, to arise as a reaction to these changes.  Two religions which illustrate different ways that Modernization influences a religion were discussed in chapter three of The Sociology of Religion: A Very Concise Introduction.  These two religions are Mormonism and Baha’i.  Mormonism started for a variety of reasons, one of which was the social anxiety caused by new social mobility.  With the construction of the Erie Canal, economic opportunities appeared in upstate New York.  Many people were unsure of their future, and turned to Mormonism.  Mormonism was authoritative in structure, and gave people less uncertainty in their lives.  The Baha’i faith believes the world is on the threshold of a new era of peace and unity.  Their prophet, Baha’u’llah claimed that all of the world’s people were one.  He urged interracial marriage, and all living things should be revered.  The Baha’i faith embraces the changes to society, and is attempting to accelerate them.  These groups’ beliefs and beginnings are rooted in reactions to Modernization.

                Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith in Upstate New York.  Many sociologists have theorized why Mormonism was started, and why people converted to it.  Many theories involve changes taking place in Upstate New York at the time of Mormonism’s birth.  These changes include the construction of the Erie Canal, increased social mobility, and urbanization.  The Erie Canal allowed for easier transportation of people and goods between Western New York and the rest of the world.  The Erie Canal led to more economic opportunities that allowed the people of Western New York to move up socially.  Many people moved to cities for more economic opportunities.  Although many people saw these new ways to move up in society as good, others were apprehensive about these changes to society.  Mormonism offered an authoritative system which appealed to many people that were anxious about their future because of these social changes.  Mormonism reacted to modernization by shielding itself by the social changes that it created.

                Baha’i is religion that directly came out of Islam.  However, it embraces all religions and all ethnicities.  Baha’i embraces globalization, which is caused by modernization.  Baha’i treats people equally, and uses its followers to expand.  Each follower of Baha’i is required to bring one new follower to Baha’i a year.  This method of recruiting new members is quite different from Islam and Christianity’s methods.  Baha’i places this job on the each individual and not on trained priests.  This emphasis on the individual comes from modernization.  With modernization came the emphasis on the individual, as more people had access to education.  Baha’i places the job of expansion on all of its followers, instead of a few trained members.  This difference is the result of modernization causing an emphasis on the individual.

                Modernization is a powerful force, and its effects are vast.  Religion is one area which modernization has made a visible impact.  Many religions have changed their ideology to modernize, and others have formed in both opposition and support.  One of the causes for Mormonism’s birth and growth was social anxiety caused by the construction of the Erie Canal.  Baha’i places greater importance on the individual than other religions.  This emphasis on the individual is an idea that was born from modernization.  Modernization is changing society, but people cannot agree if it is for the better or worse.