Most conceptions of folklore, including Yoder’s, rely on an (often unstated) assumption
that folk culture exists in opposition to “mainstream” or “modern” culture. The concept
of “the folk society,” best known from Robert Redfield’s article of that name makes this
contrast explicit. The folk society exists in isolation from the mainstream society,
retaining old practices and beliefs long after mainstream society has abandoned them,
passing on its wisdom orally rather than through writing, and maintaining traditions in the
face of change.
Folk religion, from this perspective, would include oral, traditional, residual, and
informal religious beliefs and practices no longer recognized or active in mainstream
society. The classic example of religion of the folk society would include the religious
practices of any peasant people living alongside, but largely isolated from, a relatively
more modern, urbanized society.