The Prospect of Theory of Religious Markets

The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity of the new sociological theory of religion that goes beyond the framework of the traditional debate on secularization, and, constructed on that theoretical basis, the theory of religious markets. Both of these theories are recently advocated by Rodney Stark and his research partners in the US. First, I will take up their definition of religion and their opinions on the deprivation theory to clarify their theoretical grounds against the secularization theory. Furthermore their theory of religious change will be discussed. In particular, their typology of religious groups (church, sect, cult), the view they hold on the relationship between religion, magic and science and their view of the three elements of religious change (secularization, revival, religious innovation) will be dealt with here. Next, their theory of religious markets will be investigated. This theory, which is based on, among others, the rational choice theory, insists that religion become more active in a pluralistic religious market. Using this point of view, we can explain the rise and fall of the traditional religions and the emergence of religious cult movements.Finally, I will point out some problems in their theory, and consider how to overcome them. This discussion will reveal how much prospect their theory holds.