Public religions in the modern world
Book Description
In an era where spiritual traditions are increasingly stepping beyond the boundaries of personal faith into the arena of public discourse, José Casanova offers a profound examination of religion's evolving role in contemporary society. This comprehensive exploration reveals how religious movements worldwide have begun challenging the assumption that faith belongs solely in private spaces.
Through careful analysis of five compelling case studies spanning Catholic and Protestant traditions across Spain, Poland, Brazil, and the United States, Casanova illuminates a striking phenomenon: the "deprivatization" of religion. No longer confined to individual spiritual guidance, religious institutions are actively engaging with political and social forces, questioning whether nations and markets can truly claim moral neutrality.
The book traces how movements ranging from Islamic fundamentalism to Catholic liberation theology emerged during the 1980s, boldly entering public life and reshaping the relationship between private belief and public action. These developments challenge long-held assumptions about secularization and modernity that have dominated Western thinking since the Enlightenment.
For readers seeking to understand how spiritual traditions navigate and influence the modern world, this work provides essential insights into the dynamic interplay between faith and society. Casanova's analysis reveals how religious voices continue to shape contemporary debates about values, politics, and social justice, offering a nuanced perspective on spirituality's enduring relevance in public life.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Comparative Religion
📄 Length: 320 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religionssoziologie
- ✓ Explore Gesellschaft
- ✓ Explore Religião (sociologia)
- ✓ Explore Moderne
- ✓ Explore Sociologie religieuse
- ✓ Explore Weltgesellschaft
- ✓ Explore Godsdienst
- ✓ Explore Sociale verandering
