Religion and European Society

A contemporary examination of the role of religion in the European public sphere and beyond 

Although the role of religion has arguably declined in the societies of Western and Northern Europe, religious participation in other parts of the continent and among growing immigrant communities remains an important aspect of daily life. Recent years have seen a resurgence of religion in the public sphere, prompting many researchers to view European secularism as an outlier in this global trend. Religion and European Society: A Primer presents recent academic literature that explores key developments and current debates in the field, covering topics such as changing patterns of belief, religion across the political spectrum, and development and humanitarian aid.

Articles written by leading scholars draw from well-established findings to help readers contemplate the role of religion in public life, understand the assumptions and underpinnings of the secular worldview, and develop new ways of thinking about global issues relevant to contemporary global affairs. Each theme is addressed by several articles to provide readers with diverse, sometimes competing perspectives. This volume offers concepts and ideas that can be used in various policy, practitioner, and academic settings—clarifying overarching concepts and trends rather than analyzing specific policy issues that can quickly become outdated.

• Addresses issues of contemporary importance such as demographic changes in religious observance, increased immigration, the emergence of new religious movements, and changes in more established religions
• Explores the ethical and philosophical concepts as well as the practical, everyday consequences of European post-secularism
• Challenges widespread assumptions about the secular nature of the modern public sphere
• Offers analytical tools as well as practical policy recommendations on a range of issues including media, regulation, gender, conflict and peacebuilding, immigration and humanitarianism.

Designed to move research findings from academic journals to the realm of public discourse, Religion and European Society: A Primer is a valuable source of information for practitioners within and outside of Europe of religious studies, politics, and international affairs.

Benjamin Schewel, PhD, is Lecturer at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Groningen and Associate Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia, USA. He is author of Seven Ways of Looking at Religion and co-editor of Religion and Public Discourse in an Age of Transition: Reflections on Baha’i Practice and Thought

Erin K. Wilson, PhD, is Associate Professor of Politics and Religion at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Groningen. She is the author of After Secularism: Rethinking Religion in Global Politics, co-author of Justice Globalism: Ideology, Crisis, Policy and co-editor of The Refugee Crisis and Religion: Secularism, Security and Hospitality in Question.