Secularization Debate

Secularization Debate

A common historiographical debate regarding the arts in Europe and European society in general regards secularization. Specifically, there is debate as to how secular Early Modern Europe became over time. Many prominent historians and sociologists maintain the belief that religious institutions and secular institutions diverged in Europe during this period, including Weber, Comte, Berger, Durkheim, and many others. Interestingly, the reasons they give for this divergence differ. Comte and Weber both believe that secularization comes from the undermining of religious beliefs by rational, scientific thought. In terms of arts, we can see secularization in many different areas, including music. The opera Don Giovani by Mozart is a fantastic example of secular art. The opera focuses on a young prince who can be described as sexually promiscuous. At the end of the opera, when the titular character is asked to reform himself, he boldly refuses and his death comes about due to his arrogance. The themes of the opera are not religious, and yet the play was well-received. This opera and its reception imply that secularization in the arts and in European society was happening during this time.

There are, of course, historians with opposing views. Among them is Delumeau, who believes that Europe was not truly Christianized until after the Reformation and that Christianity became more prevalent after this event. One theory for why this happened involves looking at religion in the same way one might look at any other economic market. As variety in the market rose, analogous to the new sects of Christianity rising to prominence, the more religious participation there would be. Those repelled by a certain aspect of one religion can turn to another religion rather than choose no religion at all. Art in this time showed great religious themes. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo is a fine example of this. The painting depicts a scene from the book of Genesis and was commissioned by the Pope. There are many more examples of religious themes in art from a variety of different artists from a variety of different countries spanning a variety of different artistic mediums. This body of art provides compelling evidence against the theory of secularization.

It is possible to argue that secularization was occurring in the arts and in European society in general. Undoubtedly, religion was an important institution to the average European in the early modern period. We see this in 15th century art and in various other sources. Art with a secular theme was not as well-received as religious art. But as time went on, and events such as the Scientific Revolution occurred, we began to see the prominence of secular aspects of society. Mozart, perhaps the most prominent composer of his time, wrote many secular works that were immensely popular. Certainly, religion continued to play a role in the day-to-day lives of the average citizen, but not quite to the same extent that it did in the 15th century.

What do you think? Do you believe that the Early Modern period can be characterized by increasing secularization in art? Is it plausible to argue that Europeans became more religious during this time? Does this debate about secularization occur elsewhere in the world?

Angel Solis

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