Melanie J. Wright - Böcker

The volume will provide a coherent critical examination of current issues related to the religious roots of contemporary, i.e. post-1990 European identity, by analyzing the components of contemporary European identity, the presence of religion in the development of national identities, manifestation of religious roots in secular society, and the role of religion in further European integration and social inclusion. The publication will involve a multi and interdisciplinary approach to the theme, by bringing together scholars in history, religious studies, sociology, cultural studies, European studies, and international relations. The rigorously edited volume will provide a coherent analysis of the religious roots of Europe's identity today, with particular attention to the secular context of religious communities. Europe is often perceived as secular by most of its citizens, regardless of their creed. Bearing this in mind, the authors will build upon their expertise in different fields of arts and humanities to identify some of the key elements of European religious heritage and its manifestation in Europe's identity, be it secular or otherwise perceived.The authors will also indicate the role that these elements play in further European integration. With the focused approach, the publication will identify a number of similarities across faiths and, more holistically, vis-a-vis Europe. This will serve the readers to perceive their own identity in a wider context of shared values, reaching beyond a particular faith or non-religious framework.

This is a concise study guide for the fledgling student of Judaism, covering critical issues and methodology. This volume in the "Studying World Religions" series is an essential guide to the study of Jewish faith. Clearly structured to cover all the major areas of study, including historical foundations, scripture, worship, society, thought and ethics, this is the ideal study aid for those approaching Judaism for the first time. "Studying Judaism" offers readers the chance to engage with a religious tradition as a diverse, living phenomenon. Its approach is 'critical' in two major respects: its use of the dimensional approach to the study of religions as an interpretive framework, and its focus on matters perceived as problematic by insider and/or outsider commentators, such as gender, demography, geo-politics, the 'museumisation' of Jewish cultures and its impact on religion and identity. A series of introductory guides, books in the "Studying World Religions" series are designed as study aids for those approaching the world's religions for the first time.Rather than attempting to cover all the material, the critical and methodological issues that students need to grasp in the study of each religious tradition - and religion in general - are drawn out, and the major contemporary debates explored. Readers are offered the chance to engage with religious traditions as diverse, living phenomena. With helpful suggestions for further study, pointing students towards material such as primary sources (scriptures), films and novels, and including ideas for teaching, discussion topics and exercises, these guides are the perfect companions for the fledgling student of religion.

Thisvolume in the Studying World Religionsseries is an essential guide to the study of Judaism. Clearly structured tocover all the major areas of study, including historical foundations,scripture, worship, society, material culture, thought and ethics, this is theideal study aid for those approaching Judaism for the first time. Studying Judaism offers readers thechance to engage with a religious tradition as a diverse, living phenomenon.Its approach is critical in two major respects: its use of the dimensionalapproach to the study of religions as an interpretive framework, and its focuson matters perceived as problematic by insider and/or outsider commentators,such as gender, demography, geo-politics, the museumization of Jewishcultures and its impact on religion and identity. This book is the perfectcompanion for the fledgling student of Judaism.