Ideology: Religion Summary and Analysis

Hobsbawm describes a general decline in the importance of religion in the lives of the emerging middle classes during this time period. While people are not outwardly hostile toward religion, society becomes increasingly secular following the French Revolution.

The working classes are also less influenced by religion compared to the standards of that time, even though looking back from a modern viewpoint they seem to have been quite religious Hobsbawm claims. Science advances and frequently clashes with the teachings of the church. Politically, organized churches also come under attack by new governments.

While the influence of the Catholic Church wanes, two religions actually grow in number during this period, Islam and sectarian Protestantism. Islam expands outward from Turkey through Africa and to the east. Protestantism gains hold in the most capitalist countries, especially those not traditionally Catholic. in Britain...