http://www.eurozine.com/comp/focalpoints/postseceurope.html
Religion, European secular identities, and European integration
Post-secular Europe? The rapid process of secularization in western Europe has not diminished the unease with which Europe considers Islam and Muslims in its midst. In this benchmark essay from 2004, José Casanova argues that the “Islam problem” is an indicator of the disparity between liberal and illiberal strands of European secularism.
The role of religion in establishing social cohesion
Religion and society Nostalgic references to a religious past will not help solve the question of a “European soul”. Yes, this past is both glorious and painful, but it no longer exists, writes Danièle Hervieu-Léger. Instead, the weakening of the foundations of religion could prove to be a good starting point for a more specific reconsideration of European religious heritage.
European secularization: A special route to post-secular society?
Religion and public sphere Post-secular society is the contradictory and uncontrollable counterpart of the secular state. Both are accelerated and regulated by a third actor: a public sphere formed by the mass media.
Seyla Benhabib, Giancarlo Bosetti
Beliefs in the US. Between new fears and old responses
Europe and the US On the differing roles of religion in the public sphere in the US and Europe: “Have you ever heard the German chancellor say ‘God bless Germany’?” Reset editor-in-chief Giancarlo Bosetti talks to Seyla Benhabib.
The concept of God – and why we don’t need it
Atheism In these newly religious times, it no longer seems superfluous to rearm the atheists with arguments. When push comes to shove, atheists can only trust their reason.
Religion and the profane
Islam and Marxism “The difference between the success of Islam and the failure of Marxism is that [...] Islam never claimed that work is sacred.” Ernest Gellner, speaking in 1995, draws surprising comparisons between Marxism and Islam.
