ABSTRACT
Religion must serve the 'prevailing order' of society and the individual. If it does not do so, or even has adverse effects, then it is rejected. This attitude is accompanied by the idea of the fundamental equality of all religions and by a relativism with respect to religious truth. As soon as freedom of choice rules in principle in society, religious and secular 'suppliers' communities, occupational groups, institutions compete with each other for the demand that individuals have for goods, for their participation, time, energy and donations. Before the cultural revolution, religion and religiosity were viewed as public matters, and society as a whole saw itself as bi-denominational, that is, as Christian, despite all denominational diversity. The transition to the me-society and the radical emancipation of women has largely destroyed traditional gender roles.
