The relationship between modernization and secularization has been a central debate in sociology and religious studies. The traditional 'secularization thesis' posited that as societies modernize, they inevitably become more secular. However, contemporary scholarship offers a more nuanced and complex understanding, suggesting that the relationship is not necessarily a direct or universal one.

The Traditional Secularization Thesis (Yes, they go together): Proponents of the classical secularization thesis, such as Max Weber, Émile Durkheim, and Karl Marx, argued that modernization would lead to a decline in religious belief and practice. Their arguments were based on several premises:

1. Rationalization: Modernization involves the increasing application of reason and scientific thought to all aspects of life. This rationalization process challenges traditional religious explanations of the world, leading to a 'disenchantment' of the world (Weber).
2. Differentiation: As societies modernize, institutions become more specialized and autonomous. Religion, which once permeated all aspects of life, becomes a separate, private sphere, losing its public authority and influence.
3. Pluralism: Modern societies are characterized by a diversity of beliefs and values. This pluralism undermines the monopoly of any single religious truth, leading to a decline in religious certainty and adherence.
4. Individualism: Modernity emphasizes individual autonomy and choice. Religion becomes a matter of personal preference rather than a communal obligation, leading to a decline in institutional religious participation.
5. Scientific Advancement: Scientific discoveries provide alternative explanations for phenomena previously attributed to divine intervention, reducing the perceived need for religious belief.

Critiques and Alternative Views (Not Necessarily): While some aspects of the secularization thesis hold true in certain contexts (e.g., Western Europe), its universal applicability has been widely challenged. My view is that modernization and secularization do not necessarily go together; their relationship is contingent on various socio-cultural, historical, and political factors.

1. Desecularization and Religious Resurgence: Many modern societies, particularly in the Global South and even parts of the United States, have witnessed a resurgence of religion, often in the form of fundamentalist movements or new religious movements. This challenges the idea of an inevitable decline.
2. Multiple Modernities: Sociologist S.N. Eisenstadt argued for 'multiple modernities,' suggesting that modernization takes different paths in different cultures. Not all paths lead to the same degree or type of secularization. For example, the United States is a highly modernized nation with relatively high levels of religious belief and practice compared to Western Europe.
3. Privatization of Religion: Rather than disappearing, religion may become more privatized, shifting from a public institution to a personal spiritual journey. Individuals may still hold strong beliefs but express them outside traditional religious institutions.
4. Religious Adaptation: Religion is not static; it adapts to modern conditions. Religious organizations have effectively utilized modern technologies (e.g., social media) and organizational structures to spread their messages and maintain relevance.
5. New Forms of Religiosity: Modernization has also given rise to new forms of spirituality, individualistic belief systems, and a 'spiritual but not religious' trend, indicating a transformation rather than an outright disappearance of the sacred.
6. State-Religion Relations: The degree of secularization is heavily influenced by the relationship between the state and religious institutions. In countries where religion is deeply intertwined with national identity or political power, secularization may be resisted or take different forms.

In conclusion, while modernization can certainly challenge traditional religious authority and lead to a decline in institutional religiosity in some contexts, it does not necessarily result in a universal or complete secularization of society. Religion often adapts, transforms, or even experiences resurgence in modern contexts, demonstrating a more complex and varied relationship than the classical secularization thesis initially proposed. The outcome depends on specific historical, cultural, and political trajectories.