ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at historical developments relevant to the emergence of liberal religion. Its links to secularism and neo-liberalism (individualism) are explored, and attention is paid to religion as a communal binding mechanism. Changing conceptions of God are examined: every period created its own version of God. The Enlightenment has been a significant source of non-traditional ideas about religion and God. The French Revolution and its aftermath (reaction) are considered, as well as modernism and postmodernism, with its belief in tolerance. Also covered is increased religious bricolage, specifically around New Age movements and healing. Liberal congregations and movements first emerged among Protestants. More recently the search for meaning has been significant. Individual authenticity, spirituality and issues of identity have moved centre stage: identity largely because of increased migration – for Europeans because of growing concern over the social influence of migrants from Islamic majority countries, for Muslims because religion starts replacing country of origin as focus of identity. Feminist theology and the link between religion and humanism are examined. The chapter ends with a summary characterisation of liberal religion, stressing the distinction with ‘religion lite’. Here, as elsewhere, special attention is paid to the experience of the Netherlands.
