The Religious Roots of European Identity

Originally published in 2007, and re-issued again last spring is a collection of essays edited by Melanie Wright and Lucia Faltin, The Religious Roots of Contemporary European Identity (Continuum), 248pp.

About this book the publisher tells us:

This volume provides 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 book involves a multi and interdisciplinary approach to the theme, by bringing together scholars in history, religious studies, sociology, cultural studies, European studies, and international relations. This rigorously edited volume provides 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 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 also indicate the role these elements play in further European integration. With this focused approach, the publication identifies a number of similarities across faiths and, more holistically, vis-à-vis Europe. This serves the readers to perceive their own identity in a wider context of shared values, reaching beyond a particular faith or non-religious framework.

There are two chapters in particular are of interest to Eastern Christians:

"Historical Memory: Blessing or Burden? Russian Orthodox Christians in the Modern World" by Irina Levinskaya; and

"The Russian Orthodox Church and the European Union: Constructing a Russian Orthodox identity in Europe" by Grant S. White