With the end of state-socialism, however, religion re-entered the public space, and in many Post-Socialist countries, religiosity and the role of religion increased significantly-particularly where it has been promoted in the process of state identity building. The authors explore the current role of religion in Eastern Europe, defined politically as the territory of the former socialist Eastern European countries. They use case studies and follow an interdisciplinary approach, tracing the field from the perspectives of political science, sociology, law, culture, and architecture/urban planning.

Autorentext

Dr. Jochen Töpfer is juniorprofessor at the Institute for Sociology, Otto von Guericke Universität Magdeburg.

Dr. Julia Gerlach is research associate at the Institute for East-European Studies, Freie Universität Berlin.

Zusammenfassung
While religion was expelled from the public space during Communist times and became a secret form of inner emigration, it entered the empty public space again in Post-Communist times. Public interest in religious issues and the public prestige of religion have dramatically increased. The book Under Construction. The Role of Religion in Eastern Europe Today deals with the (re-)emergence of religion in Eastern Europe and its impact on the economy, the society, and the state in 15 essays. The authors represent various fields of science related to human interaction Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and Law. The added value is an up-to-date and interdisciplinary perspective on religion and its effects in major spheres of the societies in Eastern Europe today.

Inhalt

Perspectives of sociology.- Law and religion.- The political interpretation of religion.