French scholar Michel De Certeau made important contributions to disciplines like history, anthropology, and cultural studies. He was born in 1925 and experienced some of the most turbulent times in contemporary European history, such as World War II and other political upheavals. His work frequently examined how routine actions influence how we perceive social structures and power relationships.

The statement made by De Certeau that "political organizations have slowly substituted themselves for the Churches as places for believing practices" reflects a change in society where people are increasingly turning to political institutions rather than just religious ones for structure and meaning. He believed that political parties and movements started to fill the roles that churches had historically played as gathering places for people looking for support, direction, and a sense of community.

This change is comparable to how a river may alter its path over time as a result of environmental influences like erosion or fluctuating tides. Human communities occasionally look to political ideologies and movements for spiritual sustenance when conventional religious institutions are no longer able to provide it, much like water finds new ways when confronted with challenges.

According to De Certeau, this change was especially noticeable when society was undergoing fast change and uncertainty. People started to view politics as something profoundly personal, meaningful, and almost spiritual as they looked for stability and direction in an uncertain world.

De Certeau challenges us to think about how our contemporary secular society still heavily depends on communal belief systems by highlighting the religious undertones of political engagement, even though these belief systems are frequently based on political ideologies rather than religious doctrines. This viewpoint proposes that politics and religion are not wholly distinct fields but rather entwined facets of human existence, which calls for a reevaluation of their relationship in modern society.

Essentially, De Certeau's observation pushes us to see past the apparent distinctions between religion and politics and to acknowledge the deep ways that political convictions, like long-standing religious rituals, can provide solace, guidance, and a feeling of purpose.