DECIPHERING THE POST-SECULAR TURN: RELIGIOUS RESILIENCE, IDENTITY POLITICS, AND GLOBAL ADAPTATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/acsr.2026.3Keywords:
Post-Secularism, Religious Resilience, Identity Politics, Digital Mediatization, Global Religious TransformationAbstract
This article systematically challenges classical secularization theories by examining the multifaceted evolution of global religions during the first quarter of the twenty-first century. Arguing that faith is undergoing a profound "post-secular turn," the study shows how religious institutions demonstrate remarkable resilience rather than an inevitable decline. The analysis is organized around four interrelated dimensions driving this contemporary transformation: institutional adaptation, decoupling faith from rigid historical structures, the demographic and geographic re-centering of religious gravity toward the Global South, the pervasive instrumentalization of religious beliefs in nationalist and identity politics, and the unprecedented acceleration of digital mediatization reshaping spiritual communities. Synthesizing extensive documentary research across Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, the findings reveal that religion remains a deeply contradictory yet vital force. Furthermore, by critically assessing cross-religious phenomena such as interfaith dialogue and women's evolving leadership roles, this study underscores the urgent need for collaborative engagement. A nuanced comprehension of these dynamics is essential for navigating the complex intersections of faith, political power, and technological innovation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Phrawachirahamakun, Natthawut RUNGWONG, Pissanu HORAKUL
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