The Social Dimension of Religion in Civil Society A Comparative
European Perspective
Conference held at Ersta Sköndal University College Stockholm, Sweden
September 17 - 19, 2009
Invitation
Objectives
The place of religion in modern European societies has for some time
been a relatively neglected question among scholars outside of
departments of theology and religion. This absence of interest has to
be understood against the background of both the relatively secular
character of many European societies and the dominance of a
secularization thesis that understood religion to be a relic of a past
soon to be entirely overtaken by a post-religious, secular social
order.
In fact, Europe stands out as an oddity in a global context where even
other Western countries, prominently the United States, are intensely
religious.
Furthermore, with increased immigration and the rise of new forms of
religiosity in Europe, it now appears that claims of the imminent
decline of religion may have been premature. Moreover, in the wake of
the many challenges faced by the European welfare states has followed
an increased interest in the character and role of European civil
society, not least the role of civil society in the provision of
welfare, identity and community.
In this context some have argued that faith-based organizations
constitute a very important part of civil society, both from a sheer
quantitative point of view and in terms of range, durability, and
personal significance. Thus, religious institutions, it is claimed, do
not simply provide an opportunity for practicing a personal faith; it
also serves a strong base for community and identity. This translates
into both tangible social services for its members and a more subtle
sense of belonging. In a world increasingly dominated by the cold
logic of the market and the formal care provided by the institutions
of the welfare state, religious communities are often said to
constitute a "haven in a heartless world."
On the other hand, the revival of religiosity, and not least overtly
political and at times aggressive expressions of religious belief, has
created a significant backlash - at times dubbed "Enlightenment
fundamentalism" - that has been steeped in an anxiety that cherished
modern and secular values such as gender equality and the equal civil
rights for sexual minorities will now come under attack by faith-based
political parties and movements that promote repressive practices
hostile to equal right for gays and women. These concerns regarding a
resurgent religiosity is often linked to related worries about the
effects of increased immigration and the specter of a multiculturalism
that will fundamentally alter European social and cultural life.
In this conference we aim to focus on the role of religion in modern
Europe with an emphasis on the social dimension and by viewing
religious institutions as important parts of civil society, while
regarding the normative claims and worries cited above as empirical
questions. It will include a number of perspectives, such as
consideration of the particular historical and theological legacies
that continue to shape the role of religion in Europe; religion as a
matter of personal faith vs. religion as community and social
identity; religious beliefs and networks as context for social and
political mobilization, religion and its instrumental aspects,
including the provision of education, culture, and social welfare.
Our goal is to bring together a diverse group of scholars from both
Europe and elsewhere with the aim of bringing a comparative
perspective to our analysis and discussion of religion in contemporary
European civil societies. By inviting not only theologians and
students of comparative religion, but also sociologists of religion,
historians, and scholars focused on the social dimension of civil
society, we hope to allow for a broad context to investigate one of
the most crucial developments in modern Europe: the return of
religion.
Call for papers
Submissions to present papers on the conference themes are welcome.
The deadline for submission of abstracts (max 200 words) is June 1 and
deadline for papers is August 10, 2009.
Who
The conference is open to all members of the CINEFOGO Network as well
as to other interested colleagues. PhD students are also welcome to
apply.
Where
The conference will be held at Ersta Sköndal University College in
Stockholm, Sweden. It is situated in the heart of Stockholm. For more
information, please see www.esh.se
Organizers
The conferences is collaboratively organized and funded by the
CINEFOGO Network of Excellence on Civil Society and New Forms of
Governance in Europe, Stiftelsen Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (the Bank
of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation), Ersta Sköndal University College,
Sweden and The Netherlands Institute for Social Research, Holland.
Additionally, the Church of Sweden Research Unit is supporting the
open introductory lecture.
Costs
The conference fee will be 40 Euro (or 75 Euro including a welcome
buffet style type dinner). The conference will be free for paper-givers,
while travel and accommodation costs will be covered by each individual
participant/institution.
Registration and further information
For registration and practical matters please contact Lena Blomquist,
e-mail: lena.blomquist@esh.se, telephone +46 8 55505130
The conference programme will be continuously updated. Please see the
latest version at www.esh.se
Deadline for registration is August 10th. Your registration is binding.
