A turning point in religious evolution in europe1>

TLDR

Western European surveys from 1981–1990 documented a secularisation trend, though scholars have highlighted a European exception to global patterns. The 1999 survey found that while overall religiosity declined—especially among youth—this trend is offset by a Christian renewal and a rise in non‑affiliated religiosity, with afterlife beliefs spreading and post‑socialist countries showing a stronger resurgence.

Abstract

The 1981 and 1990 European Values surveys largely supported the thesis of increasing secularisation in Western Europe. Almost all the variables showed a religious decline, which was even deeper among young people, except for beliefs in an afterlife. Peter Berger and Grace Davie have underlined the 'European exception' in contrast to the rest of the world. However, the last survey in 1999 revealed significant changes. The downward trend is now counterbalanced by two new tendencies: a Christian renewal and the development of religiosity without belonging, especially among young people. In particular, beliefs in an afterlife are spreading. These tendencies vary according to country. Post-socialist Europe shows an even more developed religious renewal, in particular among the young.