Desacralization and “catholicization” in Argentina: The role of the State, the church(es) and secular agents in the management of religion

ALEJANDRO FRIGERIO; GUSTAVO LUDUEÑA

Cambridge

Simposio; Secularism in Comparative Perspective; 2009

University of Cambridge. Religion and Secularism Network

The paper reviews the variety of (sometimes contradictory) processes affecting religion in Argentina today. It argues that the notion of desacralization reflects the local situation better than secularization, for although the Catholic Church has lost its monopoly of legitimate salvation goods, religious beliefs remain strong and may be evolving towards their further catholicization –an increasing compliance with the dominant religion´s theological tenets. It suggests that the advancement of religious diversity in the country does not necessarily entail increasing pluralism (since, following James Beckford, this would mean the appreciation of this variety) but can, to the contrary, cause increased social resistance to new religious practices and ideas. A realistic appraisal of religious pluralism should take into account the degree of social as well as government regulation of religion. Finally the paper emphasizes the expanding role of  different secular agents in the control as well as the spread of religious ideas and practices.