Abstract

MAURICIO BELTRAN, William. A Quantitative Description of Religious Pluralization in Colombia. univ.humanist. [online]. 2012, n.73, pp.201-237. ISSN 0120-4807.

Colombian society is changing in the religious sphere. This article describes that process in quantitative terms, based on the results of a survey conducted in 2010 in major cities throughout the country, many mid-size cities, and the rural region of Urabá. We describe the relationship between religious pluralization and demographic, regional and socioeconomic variables. We also explore the relationship between religious pluralization and social pluralism, i.e., examine the extent to which religious change implies greater tolerance and respect for minorities. Among the research findings we highlight the fast and steady growth of new religious movements, especially the Pentecostal evangelical movement. The pluralization process varies according to demographic variables, with the greatest impact on the youth and women. It also differs according to socioeconomic variables, for different social strata hold different religious preferences. On the other hand, the research shows that Colombian society keeps being Christian, but its Christianity is changing, and the Catholic Church has lost its monopoly on symbolic goods of salvation. Paradoxically, although the process of religious recomposition takes place in the context of growing secularization, the secularization of Colombian society, instead of discouraging religious practices, has been accompanied by their revival.

Keywords : Colombia; sects; churches; religious pluralization; secularization.

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