A counterexample to secularization theory? Assessing the Georgian religious revival

Area of Science:

• Sociology of religion
• Social and economic history

Background:

• Secularization theory posits that religious adherence declines over time.
• However, it allows for temporary religious revivals during societal crises.
• Georgia experienced a significant religious resurgence, one of the most striking globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To statistically and historically describe Georgia's religious revival.
• To determine if this revival challenges secularization theory.
• To identify the primary drivers of the Georgian religious revival.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analysis of religious trends in Georgia.
• Historical examination of the societal and economic context.
• Evaluation of potential causal factors for the religious revival.

Main Results:

• The Georgian religious revival lasted approximately 25 years.
• The primary driver was a severe societal and economic crisis beginning in 1985, coupled with state weakness.
• This crisis fostered individual insecurity, which the Georgian Orthodox Church addressed by providing identity and legitimacy.

Conclusions:

• The Georgian religious revival aligns with secularization theory's predictions for transitory revivals.
• The revival was a period effect driven by societal crisis and state weakness, not state funding, rapid modernization, or emigration.
• Georgia's case does not serve as a counterexample to secularization theory.