According to Jose Casanova, there is no correlation between modernization of Western cultures and the decline of religion. Previously, philosophers and theologians all concluded that there is a “naturalization of “unbelief” and “nonreligion” as the normal human condition in [a] modern society”; therefore, as a result of this naturalization, modern societies are becoming progressively less religious with the increase in modernization (Casanova 58). Despite being taken as true by modern academics, Casanova fully rejects the subtraction theory as the true phenomenological experience of living in a modern society. Casanova states that because non-European countries, such as America, are fully secular, but “their populations are at the same time conspicuously religious”, proves that modernization is not correlated with the decline of institutionalized religion…show more content… Depending on where you are in America vastly changes how that particular society operates. In the more modernized area’s, such as the cities, society operates under completely secular terms and oftentimes political leaders and society do not justify policy religiously, whilst in the south, a non-religious candidate most likely does not have any chance in being elected. As a result, one cannot simply claim that America operates under pretenses that are void of religion in all areas; accordingly, America cannot simply be classified as wholly secular. Unlike countries such as France, where political candidates such as Marine Le Pen can get away with stating that a Turban, Yarmulke, and Hijab ban is appropriate, because America is not fully secular, religious practices are still tolerated. Unlike Europe, America is not secular, but instead, attempts secularity whilst still operated by religious values and
