<P> In other words, rather than using the proportion of irreligious apostates as the sole measure of secularity, neo-secularization argues that individuals increasingly look outside of religion for authoritative positions . Neo-secularizationists would argue that religion has diminishing authority on issues such as birth control, and argue that religion's authority is declining and secularization is taking place even if religious affiliation may not be declining in the United States (a debate still taking place). </P> <P> Finally, some claim that demographic forces offset the process of secularization, and may do so to such an extent that individuals can consistently drift away from religion even as society becomes more religious . This is especially the case in societies like Israel (with the ultra-Orthodox and religious Zionists) where committed religious groups have several times the birth rate of seculars . The religious fertility effect operates to a greater or lesser extent in all countries, and is amplified in the West by religious immigration . For instance, even as native whites became more secular, London, England, has become more religious in the past 25 years as religious immigrants and their descendants have increased their share of the population . </P> <P> History . In Britain, secularization came much later than in most of Western Europe . It began in the 1960s as part of a much larger social and cultural revolution . Until then the postwar years had seen a revival of religiosity in Britain . Sociologists and historians have engaged in vigorous debates over when it started, how fast it happened, and what caused it . </P> <P> Sponsorship by royalty, aristocracy, and influential local gentry provided an important support - system for organized religion . The sponsorship faded away in the 20th century, as the local élites were no longer so powerful or so financially able to subsidize their favorite activities . In coal - mining districts, local collieries typically funded local chapels, but that ended as the industry grew distressed and the unionized miners rejected élite interference in their local affairs . This allowed secularizing forces to gain strength . </P>

Philosopher whose work led to the secularization of europe