The Future of the Christian Past: M arcel G auchet and C harles T aylor on the Essence of Religion and its Evolution

This article explores the differences between M arcel G auchet and C harles T aylor with respect to their theories of secularization. It starts by looking at their resemblances; it continues by distinguishing a two‐fold difference in their approach. The variation within their similar methodologies is examined, and then the consequences of these divergent definitions of religion are investigated. We focus on four themes: the role of the Axial religions, the significance of I ncarnation and R eformation, the significance of C hristianity as the ‘religion of the departure from religion’, and the possibility of religious ‘conversion’. T aylor's and G auchet's views on the future of religion diverge as a function of their different interpretations of ‘fulfilment’ and ‘hunger for meaning’.