PUBlic Professor Series | Dr. Reg Bibby
Beyond the Gods & Back: The Return of Religion in Canada
, Department of Sociology
As the 20th century wound down, many observers felt that religion in Canada was a thing of the past. People were moving on to other things, with churches and other worship places starting to look like symbols of yesteryear 鈥 not unlike ghost towns and empty grain elevators. However 鈥 and that鈥檚 a big HOWEVER 鈥 those readings of religion have proven to be remarkably inaccurate. As Canada approaches its 150th anniversary, what has set in is religious polarization. Yes, there鈥檚 no doubt that a growing segment of people are choosing to live 鈥渞eligion-free鈥 lives. But a solid core, fueled increasingly by immigrants, continues to embrace faith. And then there鈥檚 that intriguing segment in 鈥渢he religious middle,鈥 neither opting out nor opting in.
In the midst of all this, what鈥檚 fascinating to keep an eye on is 鈥渢he so-what question鈥 鈥 the implications for personal and collective life in Canada. Are we happier, more civil, more compassionate, and better able to express spirituality and deal with death when we live life with religion or choose to live without it?
These are some of the issues and questions that will be addressed in this up-to-date presentation by Canada鈥檚 foremost religion trend-tracker. He draws material from two new 2016 books 鈥 one an updated, Beyond the Gods & Back reading of religion generally, and the other, written with pollster Angus Reid, which looks specifically at the country鈥檚 largest group and carries the title, Canada鈥檚 Catholics.
You may cheer or you may jeer 鈥 but Bibby will make you think! Research article: