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"By vicarious, I mean the notion of religion performed by an active minority but on behalf of a much larger
number, who (implicitly at least) not only
understand, but, quite clearly, approve of what the minority is doing."
Davie. G (2000)
• performing ritual on behalf of others
The best example of this is infant baptism - which is now an accepted social norm rather than a religious one.
We also turn to religion for certian ceremonies; weddings and funerals; even if we are not religious.
A good way to see this is to look at examples in practice.
Jade Goody
Princess Diana
Kenny
• believing on behalf of others.
Church leaders and church goers are seen as 'holding the faith' for us all, maintaining societies moral standards and being held to account by us when they get it wrong.
How does it work?
Can we explain it?
Can we illustrate it?
Can we see it at work?
Do we think it is a good or a bad thing?
• by offering space for the vicarious debate of unresolved issues (understanding sexualities, bioethical
issues etc)
Issues that we do not want to address 'out loud' can be debated safely by church leaders and church goers and we do not need to get involved.
We also have someone to blame.
• embodying moral codes on behalf of others
We expect more of church leaders and church goers, we expect certain standards of behaviour and we expect more of them than we do of ourselves - they are almost the our moral compass.