Does the secularisation of British society in the 20th century constitute the triumph of rationalism?

Theories of secularisation assume an irreversible decline of religion in modern society, usually from the mid 18th century. It is proposed that unable to provide a generally held conception of meaning, due to the emergence of plurality of life experiences and rapidly changing social order, religion loses its ideological, political and social relevance. This loss of function in Modern day Britain can be demonstrated in numerous ways: previously religion has provided legitimacy for secular authority, endorsed and sanctioned public policy, socialised the young, sponsored a broad rang of recreational activities. However more recently, in contrast, sources of ethical concern have been replaced with manifestly secular systems, and religious values have become relinquished. Moreover, this can be confirmed statistically: through religious attendance and practise rates. Historians have sought to explain these transformations in sociological terms, arriving at a variety of conclusions regar...