En las sociedades europeas las relaciones entre religión y política se encuentran en un momento histórico clave. Por ejemplo en España, en donde la secularización de los individuos se ha producido en una época reciente y a un ritmo vertiginoso, y la aconfesionalidad del Estado, declarada por la Constitución de 1978, es objeto diario de luchas semánticas, que son, en última instacia, luchas políticas. Por otro lado, el interés radica en el hecho de que las relaciones entre religión y política en estas sociedades se ven afectadas de un modo directo y concreto por nuevas dinámicas sociales producto del proceso de globalización, como las que se originan con la llegada de inmigrantes que provienen de sociedades de cultura religiosa diferente o las que se derivan del creciente protagonismo de los fundamentalismos religiosos.

Religion is considered by many to be something of the past, but it has a lasting hold in society and influences people across many cultures. This integration of spirituality causes numerous impacts across various aspects of modern life. The variety of religious institutions in modern society necessitates a focus on diversity and inclusiveness in the interactions between organizations of different religions, cultures, and viewpoints. Research Anthology on Religious Impacts on Society examines the cultural, sociological, economic, and philosophical effects of religion on modern society and human behavior. Highlighting a range of topics such as religious values, social reforms, and spirituality, this publication is an ideal reference source for religious officials, church leaders, psychologists, sociologists, professionals, researchers, academicians, and students.

In The Mystery and the World, Maria Clara Bingemer explores how the place of religion in society has dramatically shifted since the Enlightenment. The modern era is characterised by a major change in humanity's fundamental desires that means that reason has taken the place of faith. Human beings, in their ongoing search for a scientific understanding of the world, have drifted away from seeking any essence of transcendence in their lives. Bingemer examines this transition and how, especially inthe postmodern era, it has led to technology and superficial happiness becoming all-important as opposed to the more sacred sense of contentment that governed us for centuries prior to the Enlightenment. In her discussion, however, Bingemer demonstrates that we as humans have not lost our innate desire to believe in a higher power and that, even in our world of instant satisfaction, we still need to fill the void left by religion. Through well-researched analysis of the modern era and discussion of some of the mystics of more recent times, she reveals to readers how our religious belief, whilst changed, is not dead and is still an important aspect of our existence.

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A festschrift honoring the work of Edward A. Tiryakian, consisting of a large number of essays.

Presents entries A to L of a two-volume encyclopedia discussing religion around the globe, including biographies, concepts and theories, places, social issues, movements, texts, and traditions.