"Until recently theories of secularization (in all three aspects) were accepted virtually without question.  But in the past few decades secularization theories have been severely criticized – especially the decline of religion thesis and the privatization thesis.  Some sociologists of religion now advocate the complete abandonment of the theory of secularization.  Religion is certainly not disappearing in the modern world.  Indeed, the empirical evidence indicates a tremendous growth of a variety of different religions in many (although, not all) regions of the world.  Furthermore, rather than increasing privatization, we find an almost aggressive move toward a public role for religion in social and political movements.”

Richard Bernstein, The Abuse of Evil: The Corruption of Politics and Religion Since 9/11 (101)