Product Description

Europe is a relatively secular part of the world in global terms. Why is this so? And why is the situation in Europe so different from that in the United States? These are the key questions considered in this book; key questions (the theme) clearly articulated in the first chapter.Subsequent chapters explore the nature of Eurosecularity in more detail (the variations on the theme) - paying attention to its historical, philosophical and institutional dimensions. They also ask how the question of Eurosecularity is related to social difference (class, ethnicity etc.). In each chapter, the similarities and differences with the American case will be carefully examined. The final chapter explores the ways in which these features translate into policy on both sides of the Atlantic. This book is highly topical and relates very directly to the tensions between Europe and America in the present period.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #298859 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 138 pages

About the Author
Peter Berger is University Professor of Sociology and Theology at Boston University, he is known all over the world for his work in sociology, including the sociology of religion. He has taught at the New School for Social Research, at Rutgers University, and at Boston College. Grace Davie holds a personal chair in the Sociology of Religion at the University of Exeter. Effie Fokas gained her Ph D from the London School of Economics in 2004. She is currently working as a research assistant at the University of Exeter.

Customer Reviews

Sociology of Religion made fascinating, relevant and readable
This book tackles a very important question: why does religion flourish in America, but languish in western and central Europe? Why are some issues about religion and public life here incomprehensible to Europeans (i.e. the use of religious language in political campaigns), and vice-versa (French controversies over head-scarves)? This book looks at history, institutions, and the intellectual ethos of the 2 areas. Its authors stress that although the title is indeed accurate, there is a lot more to be said. They also remind us that "Europe" is not a unity, and that each nation has its own history, institutions and ways to handle problems. One does not need a lot of sociological background to read and enjoy this book. And it illuminates an important set of issues that are not likely to go away.