This open access book analyses the international data of the European Values Study (EVS 1990 - 2017), with a focus on the impact of religious on political values from empirical as well as theoretical perspectives, i.e. sociology, political and cultural studies, philosophy, ethics, theology and the law. It interprets results from interdisciplinary perspectives, including the viewpoints of social ethics, sociology and cultural studies, law and practical theology. In the political and public as well as media debates of the European Union, the recourse to (above all "European" and also "Christian") values has played a central and controversial role in the field of politics and religion for several decades. This collection is a contribution to a qualified discourse on values in Europe by providing empirical, hermeneutical and ethical criteria for a responsible use of the concept of values. In addition to a comparison of political value systems in Western and Eastern Europe and the possible role of religion in this context, the book also deals with topics such as, f.i., solidarity, economics and values, value formation, and law and values. Additionally, specific population groups such as the socio-culturally marginalized strata are examined more closely. Besides current scientific analyses and interpretations of interest to researchers from various disciplines, this book also offers valuable impulses and suggestions for various multipliers in political, civil society and religious organisations, as well as a sound overview for graduate students.

The first book to cover the nexus of values, politics and religion on a European level Offers international and interdisciplinary academic perspectives to connect social sciences, ethics, law and theology Provides future perspectives with regards to the nexus of values, politics and religion on a European level This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access

Autorentext
Regina Polak (* 1967) studied Catholic theology, philosophy, and spiritual theology in the interreligious dialogue at the Universities of Vienna and Salzburg (Austria). In her PhD she dealt with the issue of "The Return of Religion. Perspectives for Church and Society". She is Associate Professor for Practical Theology. Currently she is the head of the Department of Practical Theology at the Faculty of Catholic Theology of the University of Vienna. She is member of the Research Center "Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society" and vice-head of the Research Network "Interdisciplinary Values Research", both at the University of Vienna. In 2016 she was Visiting Professor at the University of Haifa. At the University of Vienna, she also is the head of the post-graduate course "Muslims in Europe". She published three monographies, 17 edited volumes and more than 300 articles in anthologies, academic and public journals. She is OSCE-Personal Representative for combating racism,xenophobia and discrimination and a member of the German Bishop s Conference Commission on Migration. Her research focuses on religion in the context of migration; religion, politics and values; socio-religious transformation processes in Europe; Christian-Jewish and Christian-Islamic dialogue.

Patrick Rohs (* 1989) studied Catholic theology, psychology and religious studies in Vienna (Austria) and Trier (Germany). He currently works as a pre-doc assistant at the Department of Practical Theology at the Faculty of Catholic Theology of the University of Vienna. He is member of the Research Network "Interdisciplinary Values Research" at the University of Vienna. His dissertation deals with the topic of social cohesion and values education. In addition to values research, his research interests and research focus lie in the fields of psychology of religion and research methods.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Part I: Basic Research.- Chapter 2. Values: A Contested Concept. Problem Outline and Interdisciplinary Approaches.- Chapter 3. A Critical History of the Use of 'European Values'.- Chapter 4. Transformations in the Religious and Moral Landscape in Europe?.- Part II: In-Depth Analysis.- Chapter 5. Political Values and Religion: A Comparison Between Western and Eastern Europe.- Chapter 6. Religion, Values and Politics: The Effect of Religiosity on Attitudes towards Immigrants and Muslims.- Chapter 7. Solidarity: A European Value?.- Chapter 8. The Invisibles: Religious and Political Values Among Different Social Classes.- Part III : Interdisciplinary Perspectives.- Chapter 9. Ethical and Theological Approaches to the Value Discourses in Europe.- Chapter 10. Values and Economy: How Companies Deal With Values.- Chapter 11. Values and Laws.- Part IV: Future Prospects.- Chapter 12. Perceptions of Social Challenges in Europe. Disentangling the Effects of Context, Social Structure, Religion, Values and Political Attitudes to Identify Potential Drivers of Societal Change.- Chapter 13. Values Education, Politics and Religion.- Chapter 14. Conclusions, Consequences, Challenges.