Davie's Vicarious Religion
Grace Davie's 'vicarious religion' thesis proposes that in Europe, people approve of religion being practiced on their behalf by institutions and professionals, maintaining nominal affiliation without active participation—'believing without belonging.'
Real World
After the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, thousands of Londoners — most not regular churchgoers — flocked to St Clement's Church for comfort and community, demonstrating Davie's idea that people rely on religious institutions vicariously in times of crisis.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between 'believing without belonging' and full secularisation; conflating them is a common mistake that loses evaluation marks.
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