Springer Religion in the European Refugee Crisis (Religion and Global Migrations)

This book explores the roles of religion in the current refugee crisis of Europe. Combining sociological, philosophical, and theological accounts of this crisis, renowned scholars from across Europe examine how religion has been employed to call either for eliminating or for enforcing the walls around “Fortress Europe.” Religion, they argue, is radically ambiguous, simultaneously causing social conflict and social cohesion in times of turmoil. Charting the constellations, the conflicts, and the consequences of the current refugee crisis, this book thus answers the need for succinct but sustained accounts of the intersections of religion and migration. Review “The [book] examined here can serve as a source for understanding the various roles played by civil societies and religion in a migration crisis.” (Insight Turkey, Vol. 23 (1), 2021) “The editors’ aim for this timely compilation of essays is to show how Europeans have rediscovered religion in order to call for the fortification or defortification of Europe. … This rich collection of essays will be valued by all who wish to reflect on the role of religion in Europe’s current refugee crisis.” (Fleur Houston, Reform, March, 2019) Review “A lively, engaging, and insightful set of sociological, philosophical, and theological essays addressing an urgent dynamic shaping contemporary politics across Europe: the intersection of migration, religious identity, and the construction of a democratic common life.” (Luke Bretherton, Duke University, USA) “Religion without borders? Faith without prejudice? This collection of essays unpacks the complex ways that religion is implicated in Europe’s so-called migrant crisis. The authors examine the positioning of religion within migration debates, and discuss a variety of religious responses to migration. The effect is to show the enduring imprint of religion on politics and culture across Europe, and to remind us of religion’s dual capacity to open hearts and to close minds.” (Julie Clague, University of Glasgow, UK) “The current refugee crisis challenges all forms of European self-understanding. This compelling book by a multi-religious group of experts tackles the burning issues in this dramatic struggle for Europe’s future. It provides necessary analysis and courageous proposals for a more critical and self-critical theological contribution to the public debate on the emerging shape of Europe.” (Werner G. Jeanrond, University of Oxford, UK) From the Back Cover About the Author Ulrich Schmiedel is Lecturer in Theology, Politics and Ethics at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, where he also serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues. He specializes in political and public theology. Graeme Smith is Professor of Public Theology and Head of the Department of Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Chichester, UK. He writes on social, public and political theology, including two books, Oxford 1937: The Universal Christian Council for Life and Work and A Short History of Secularism.