The Religious Situation in Europe

Author: José Casanova

January 1, 2009

In his contribution to the volume Secularization and the World Religions (2009, eds. Hans Joas and Klaus Wiegandt), José Casanova challenges conventional narratives of European secularization by emphasizing the complex character of the continent's contemporary religious situation. Arguing that secularization constitutes an inadequate paradigm through which to explore this complexity, Casanova notes the need to incorporate comparative historical approaches and a global perspective. He concludes by briefly exploring the growing prominence of religion in the public sphere, the challenges posed by immigration and Turkish efforts to join the EU, and the possibility of a post-secular Europe.

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