In this article the authors briefly address the many empirical and theoretical critiques of this earlier secularising view of religion. To do this, we look at what has come to be known as the 'return of religion' ��� the new ways in which religion is both important to individuals and communities, and also the return of religion in the analysis of society, politics, and subjectivity. The major part of the article will then develop this in relation to South Africa. We argue that, throughout processes of modernisation, South Africa has remained a deeply religious place. In addition, both apartheid and religious anti-apartheid activists determined an important place for religion, and particularly Christianity, in public and political life.