Religion in the city

Abstract

Religion within the urban environment has been debated for a few years now. The debate does not get easier, nor will it disappear overnight. There seems to be a few problems between these different structures and their systems within. Questions regarding certain religious institutions towards the society are notable to look at. Even the current topic on how to correlate the relationship between society and religion are note-worthy. These concerns create an opportunity for us to re-evaluate these relationships. Could there be a way to reconcile these relationships? What then can we discern from the perspectives of history, sociology and consumerism when given a description of what cities and religion proclaim to be and what it ought to be? Can we find a way to reconcile religion and our understanding of urban society? Should religion be re-envisiond to fit into a transformed urban society? This study suggests that the Apparatus theory can be of assistance when relating religion and the city. This study will in no way attempt to provide a detailed overview of these elements: city and religion. Rather, possibilities for areas of dialogue will be considered. Could religion be an Apparatus we need to consider in a society that has totally lost its barriers and means of dialogue in society? The Apparatus theory could be seen as the connection needed to understand all inter-dependant forms that the society builds on. Religion can either promote social cohesion and integration or religion can force social division. Religion has a role to play and a place to fill within the urban barriers. This study wants to emphasize that the characteristics of religion will change over time, but will never die out.