Table of contents:
Acknowledgements
PrefaceThe Quarrel over the Religious Roots of European Identity in the European Constitution and the Nature of Historical Explanation: A Catholic Coign of Vantage
Paul KerryAfterword: How secular is Europe today?
Tomáš Halík
Bibliography
About the Authors
This volume provides a coherent critical examination of current issues related to the religious roots of contemporary, i.e. post-1990 European identity. This book has taken a multi and interdisciplinary approach, analysing the religious roots of Europe's identity today, with a focus on the secular context of religious communities. This will serve the readers to perceive their own identity in a wider context of shared values, reaching beyond a particular faith or non-religious framework.
Lucia Faltin: Centre for the Study of Jewish-Christian Relations;
Director of International Programmes and Coordinator of a course on
History of Jewish-Christian Relations in the Master of Studies
programme, University of Cambridge, UK.
Melanie J. Wright was Academic Director of the Centre for the Study
of Jewish-Christian Relations, and a Lecturer in Religious Studies
at the Open University, UK. She is the author of numerous articles
and books including Understanding Judaism (Orchard Academic), and
Religion and Film: An Introduction (I. B. Tauris). With Lucia
Faltin she co-edited The Religious Roots of Contemporary European
Identity, which is also published by Continuum.
"Many have spoken of the increased secularization of Europe.
This excellent volume from an international conference in Cambridge
offers a comprehensive overview of the current debate, placing it
as well in a historical context. It takes up ongoing questions such
as antisemitism but also more contemporary ones such as an intense
discussion over the role of Islam. Perspectives come from all
parts of Europe--West, Central, East and from all the major
European religious traditions. An indispensable addition to
this vital debate." John T Pawlikowski, OSM, Ph.D, Professor
of Social Ethics, Director, Catholic-Jewish Studies Program,
Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, USA.
*John T Pawlikowski*
"At the start of this century, Europe - once so fragmented in its
history - stands on the threshold of a new era of power and
influence on the world stage. But unless we can understand the
roots of Europe's potential unity, we cannot work to actualize it.
This book delves deep, and challenges the prevailing view that
religious identity, built up over centuries, can be overlooked,
dismissed, or reduced in the quest for a new human future. The
great constituents of European identity - Judaism, Christianity,
Islam, and secular values - are analyzed here with illuminating
perspicuity. A book of such depth, richness and originality needs
to be read more than once. We owe its editors an immense debt of
gratitude". Professor Julius Lipner, Professor of Hinduism and the
Comparative Study of Religion, Divinity Faculty, University of
Cambridge.
*Julius Lipner*
‘The book is multidisciplinary in its approach and combines
insights from history, social sciences, philosophy, religious
studies and theology. Although it only occasionally touches upon
educational issues, the book gives useful perspectives on how to
deal with European complexity in the context of civic and religious
education.'
*British Journal of Religious Education*
‘This book offers valuable insights into the concerns of religious
educationists during their subject's definitive period of
transformation as well as giving a clear account of Gate's own
contribution. Gates captures and reflects the humane and liberal
spirit of Smart's seminal contribution to religious education. His
own approach to issues is thoughtful and balanced and has careful
regard to the realities of school life and a concern for the
broader personal development of children and young people.'
*British Journal of Religious Education*
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