Teori Modernisasi dan Kritiknya dalam Studi Agama Menurut Perspektif Katolik

Abstract

Modernization theory is often the main framework for understanding social, economic and cultural changes that occur amidst the progress of modern society. In religious studies, this theory is often associated with the process of secularization and marginalization of the role of religion in public life. The Catholic Church, as a religious institution that has existed for centuries, faces various challenges resulting from modernization, including religious pluralism, the privatization of faith, and the influence of science and technology. This article discusses modernization theory in the context of Catholicism, outlining its impact on Church practices and institutions, and evaluating criticisms of this theory. By utilizing theological and sociological approaches, this article highlights how the Catholic Church remains relevant amidst modernity through dialogue, reform, and its commitment to universal values.