Religion in an Expanding Europe

Religion in an Expanding Europe examines the complex interplay between traditional religious values and modern European integration. Against a backdrop of contentious debates - such as the role of headscarves in schools and the place of Christianity in shaping constitutional discourse - this volume scrutinizes how expanding religious traditions impact a union long characterized by its secular aspirations. Drawing on the diverse traditions of Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Islam, the authors argue that these transnational religious communities present distinct visions of European identity. They contend that rather than facilitating a seamless integration, religious factors may in fact complicate the process, offering alternative routes to what is often assumed to be a unified European trajectory. Bringing together insights from European politics, political sociology, and the sociology of religion, Religion in an Expanding Europe provides a nuanced perspective on the evolving role of religion in shaping the continent's future. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2006, this 364-page paperback is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dynamics between faith and politics in contemporary Europe.