In traditional societies the religion, occupation and customs of individuals are determined not by personal choice but by the family and neighborhood in which they were born and raised. Modern society, by contrast, is highly mobile. People change their residence and occupation very freely. This individual choice often carries over into the sphere of religion. The Church becomes for all practical purposes a voluntary association.
Religion is considered a private matter in which people can make their own choices.
Many opt out of the church and the religion in which they were raised. Sometimes they come back to it, sometimes they join another religious body. Modern societies also tend to divide life into separate spheres. Religion is seen as having a certain limited competence. It governs people s relationship to God, their prayer life and their weekly worship.