Religion and Politics in Europe - DIS · The fifth module concludes the class with a final case assignment where you are invited to give your assessment of the future of politics

Final Syllabus

Religion and Politics in Europe I DIS I Disciplines: Political Science. Religious Studies. This syllabus is subject to change with as much notice as possible.

Religion and Politics in Europe

Spring 2017 Copenhagen

3 Credits Major Disciplines: Political Science, Religious Studies

Faculty Member: Niels Valdemar Vinding

Program Director: Neringa Vendelbo Program Assistant: Alex Berlin

Tuesdays and Fridays: 13.15-14.35

Room: F24-306

Course Description

Is the liaison between religion and politics a dangerous one? It is surely one that has a growing attraction

to many around the world. Religion has resurfaced as a visible player in politics, public life, and internation-

al relations, surprising pundits and scholars alike. Modernization did not entail secularization, privatization

of religion, and its slow death. God is not dead and religion hasn’t been relegated to an anonymous life in

the private sphere. Secularism—the idea that religion and politics, church and state should be kept apart—

has come under pressure. The question is – what is the world like after secularism?

Europe has a particularly difficult time dealing with this question. This is in part due to Europe’s secularist

tradition. Old European Christian churches have re-mobilized and the introduction of Islam through immi-

gration has caught many Europeans off-guard. This has given rise to a number of tensions, ranging from the

so-called ‘veil affairs’ in France and England from late 1980s and early 1990s, to the discussion of the role of

Christianity in writing up a draft for the new European constitution. Presently, strong religious voices have

reappeared, most vocally perhaps through the actions of militant islamists, which in turn has been met by

the populist call to set nationalist values and old virtues ahead of the universal and humanist principles.

http://www.disabroad.org/study-abroad/semester/course-list/religion-politics/

Final Syllabus


The purpose of this course is to examine how religion and secularism is understood in present-day Europe.

The course combines a sociological explanatory approach with case study driven issues in political theory.

In short, the course will introduce you to:

I. Both a historical and contemporary understanding of how religion has resurfaced as a viable

political power in Europe, and how historians, sociologist, theologians and political scientists

have sought to explain this fact.

II. The main trends in the current politico-religious landscape of Europe in comparison to the US,

e.g. through the notions of ‘believing without belonging’ and ‘belonging without believing’.

III. Secularism in the tension between freedom of religion and freedom from religion with a focus

on the role of religion in schools.

Throughout, we will compare the findings to the ways this clash is dealt with in the US.

Instructor: Niels Valdemar Vinding, PhD.

Niels Valdemar Vinding is an assistant professor at the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies

at University of Copenhagen. His PhD was on Muslim Positions in the Religio-Organisational Fields of Den-

mark, Germany and England from 2013. He holds a BA in Theology and a MA in Islamic Studies. His current

research is on “Imams of the West”, exploring Islamic authority and Muslim leadership in Europe, North

America and Australia. It is funded from 2014 to 2017 by the Carlsberg Foundation.

Learning Objectives

In this course, you will learn five things:

First and foremost, this course will provide you with substantial knowledge, comparative material and criti-

cal analytical tools to gain deeper insights into - and educate your judgment on - the principled issues at

stake in the various liaisons between religion and politics.

Secondly, you will be introduced to the main trends and current affairs in the politico-religious landscape of

Europe. This will include comparisons with the landscape in other parts of the world, in particular the US.

Thirdly, the course will introduce you to sociological theories of secularization and de-secularization (the

historical processes and their underlying causes).

Fourthly, you will learn about the debates in theology and political theory on the viability and continued

justification of secularism versus the alternatives of religiously based world views.

Finally, you will be forced to consider if secularism as a political ideal should abandoned in the face of the

challenges it has faced of late.


Final Syllabus


Course Content:

The Five Course Modules

The course will consist of five modules, a module corresponding to each of the three themes introduced in

Section 1. In the first module, you will be introduced to key examples of the historical and contemporary

manifestations of religion and politics in Europe as well as to an outline of some basic conceptual distinc-

tions; especially the distinction between ‘secularization’ (the historical process and its underlying causes)

and ‘secularism’ (the political philosophical ideal), but also the difference between the church-state and

religion-politics distinctions. Basically in this module we dive head on into history, and try to get our bear-

ings and we reemerge into the present in the next module.

From a European perspective religion plays a surprisingly large

role on the political stage both in the Middle East and in the US.

The question is if Europe is an exceptional case. Is the widespread

perception of Europe as a secular continent fact or myth? The sec-

ond module takes a look at how religion and politics have changed

so as to challenge the old secularist tradition. Some of the head-

lines are believing without belonging and belonging without believ-

ing. In sum, modules one and two will give you an introduction to

the state of affairs, the historical processes and some of their un-

derlying causes that the sociological term secularization is typically

invoked to give expression to.

In the third module, we reflect on what happens when Islam enters the European stage. Who are the Mus-

lims? How should we understand what is going on? What is new, and what merely looks new? In particular,

we discuss religious extremism and fundamentalism, and try to make sense of freedom and security in the

face of these threats.

In the fourth module, we will take a close look at Populism and the

Islamic challenges to Europe in recent years. Coming out of 2016 with

Brexit and Trump elected and looking towards a 2017 with both French

and German national elections, this topic is absolutely relevant for a

Religion and Politics class. After introducing the concepts and ideas

involved, we dive into the national debates of France, Britain and Ger-

many. Through these cases, we will discuss how Populism and the Is-

lamic challenges are the defining issues and we explore, in the minds

of the populists, ‘what went wrong, who is to blame and what can be

done to fix the situation?’ Religion is part of all three questions, and

draws on related issue like the limits for free speech, the legitimacy of

the secular private/public distinction and the relation between religion

and national identity.

The fifth module concludes the class with a final case assignment

where you are invited to give your assessment of the future of politics and religion in Europe. This is in-

spired by the 2015 novel by Michel Houellebecq, which guesses at the Islamification of France in 2022. Dur-

ing the week of the publication, 12 were killed in the horrible shooting at the satiric magazine Charlie Heb-

do, very much calling into question the future of politics and religion in Europe.


Final Syllabus


Course Requirements

Here is an overview and more detailed information of the course assignments

Assignment Counting Deadline

1. Engagement: 15% Ongoing

2. News Clip 5% Ongoing

3. Module I – “Relevant History?” Paper 20% Friday 3 February before midnight.

4. Module II – “Secular Europe?” Paper 20% Friday 24 February before midnight

5. Module IV – “Populism and the Islamic

Challenge” Paper

15% Friday 7 April before midnight.

6. Module IV – “Future of Religion and

Politics in Europe” Paper

25% Friday 5 May before midnight

1. Engagement Counts 15%

Engagement and contribution to the class is critical for both individual and class success. To prepare for

each class, you are required to read all assigned material and thoughtfully consider preparation ques-

tions. When there is a Canvas exercise, uploading material before class will be monitored. In class, strong

engagement and contribution to learning can be evidenced by demonstrating thorough preparation of the

assigned topic, contributing value-added knowledge and insights, actively participating in class discussion,

engaging with outside speakers, and asking good questions. Especially, preparing and asking good ques-

tions is monitored and factored into the overall grade.

2. News Clip Counts 5%

Throughout the course we will start each class by addressing current events relevant to the course. You will

take turns following and reporting current events regarding religion and politics in Denmark and Europe.

You are free to choose your research method: following the news media, researching the internet, and/or

talking to host family members or other Danes. Here, again, the quality of debates and discussion will de-

pend on the rest of class engaging with the report. Remember, this is not about being politically correct, or

getting the answers right, or knowing what the teacher had in mind, but about fruitful interaction in class.

Further information about the requirements for this assignment will be given to you during the first class. If

you do not attend the first class please contact me.

3. Module I: “Relevant History?” (Individual) Counts 20%

Diving into history is always both exciting and challenging. For a historical perspective to have any use or

relevance, it must be related to the contemporary issues at hand. How do we make sure we learn from

history and how do we help people not to forget.


Final Syllabus


Question

On the basis of the material covered in this module, you are asked to write a paper where you answer both

1 and 2:

1. Choose an issue of the past from the material and explain the crisis, controversy or problem.

2. Discuss this issue in relation to an issue in contemporary religion and explain the similarities and dif-

ferences. What the lessons to be learned? Remember to explain ‘how’ and ‘why’ it is relevant!

The paper should be 2-3 pages (double spaced).

Deadline is Friday 3 February before midnight.

4. Module II: Secular Europe? Counts 20%

Two options.

Option 1: Religion in Denmark – An American perspective

Background

After having lived in Denmark for a couple of months your home university asks you to write a short piece

on: “Religion in Denmark seen from an American point of view”. They are especially interested in hearing

you views on the following questions:

Question

1. In your opinion, does the label “secular society” fit Denmark? Why or why not?

2. We hear talk about a crisis in the Danish National Church. At the same time 80% of the popula-

tion is still a member of the church? How would you characterize the situation the church finds

itself in today?

Make sure that you include theoretical concepts and arguments that have been covered in class. Your own

observations, examples, and photos can also be used in this assignment.

This paper should be 3-4 pages (double spaced).


Option 2: European Religion in a Sociological Perspective

Background

Here are three claims:

Europe is a truly secular continent.

Europe is experiencing a New Age revival.

The old empty churches in Europe are still playing an important role in European societies.

These are all claims about religion in Europe put forth by leading sociologists. When we scrutinize the anal-

ysis behind such statements we find conflicting assumptions about religion and its role in society and indi-

vidual lives. In this assignment you are asked to pick two of the sociologists debated in class and discuss

their understanding of religion in Europe.

Questions

1. Describe the concept of religion your two chosen sociologists. What kinds of examples are they us-

ing to illustrate what religion is? Do they primarily look at religion on an individual or organizational

level? Do they include non-official religion?


Final Syllabus


2. Which concepts are central to your two sociologists´ analysis of religion in Europe? And how should

we understand these concepts?

3. Discuss the differences and similarities between your two sociologists´ concepts of religion.

This paper should be 3-4 pages (double-spaced).


5. Module IV: Populism and the Islamic Challenge (Individual) Counts 15%

At the center of almost all populist ideologies and expressions we find a political fiction or an idealized un-

derstanding of what the base or heartland is and who the ‘virtuous and unified populations’ is. Equally,

there is an expression or understanding of who the enemy is, both the foreign evil that is endangering soci-

ety and threatening is foundations, but also the elite who had stood idly by. These are the binaries of ‘us’

and ‘them’ on which a populist movement thrives.

For this paper, choose a European populist movement, organization, author or politician and identify and

critically and discuss the construction of the ‘us’ and ‘them.’ Doing this critically means identifying the nar-

ratives that builds the movement and exploring the assumptions and the propaganda it entails. What kind

of popular myths are constructed, what is deliberately neglected and how does the movement benefit?

These and other such questions should be discussed in the paper.

Remember, to be critical in academic contexts means substantiating the arguments. Find evidence, be criti-

cal of news sources and narratives in general, consider both strengths and weaknesses in your argument.

Much of the context of ‘populism’ is contested both by the post-factual political arguments, but also news

media who are politically positioned.

This paper should be 3-4 pages (double-spaced).

Deadline is Friday 7 April before midnight.

6. Module V: The Future of Religion and Politics in Europe (Individual) Counts 25%

In January 2015, a divisive new novel appeared in France. It imagines a fictional France, seven years from now, where a Muslim party rules the government, women leave the workforce and teachers are forced to convert to Islam. The book – titled ‘Submission’ – was not intended as a provocation, its author, Michel Houllebecq, recently told a literary journal. “I condense an evolution that is, in my opinion, realistic,” he maintained. The future envisioned by the author is the latest controversy in a debate roiling Europe about the role of Islam and immigrants in society. (Exert from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/attack-on-france-a-turning-point-in-divisive-religion-debate/article22357156/)

This assignment will conclude the course and will ask you to give an overall assessment of the future of

religion in Europe. Taking the long history, the recent challenges of the 20th and the 21st Century and the

ongoing news and developments of the spring of 2015 into account, you are asked to give a qualified and

well-argued assessment of the future of religion and politics in Europe.

Several of the authors presented during the course have ventured partial guesses on the future of religion

and politics in Europe. Grace Davie, Jose Casanova, William T. Cavanaugh – and even yours truly – have in


Final Syllabus


their respective conclusions speculated about developments in the closer or longer perspectives of the

future. However, the predominant lesson from many of the cases of the reappearance of religion, the

headscarf affair, the cartoons controversy and so on, demonstrate that the future is notoriously difficult to

predict.

Throughout the 22nd class we will discuss some of these arguments and we will recapture how authors from

the materials have seen these perspectives. In class, you will get the chance to exercise the different points

of view of the different positions.

You are then asked to write a researched OpEd for The New York Times of 5-6 pages (double-spaced) to be

submitted at the end of exam week. In this OpEd, you will present the your arguments either in favor or in

opposition to a position similar to that of Michel Houllebecq as presented in his ‘Submission.’ Important in

this paper is that you argue your cases. What is the substantial evidence? How do you interpret recent

events? Where do you see the trends? What are the logics and forces at work, and where are these taking

things? Are you pessimistic or optimistic, and why?

Deadline is Friday 5 May before midnight

Note: All papers can either be handed in in hard copy at the end of class or sent by email (to

[email protected]) before the deadline. If you email your paper you need a confirmation email from me

within 36 hours to be sure I received it.

Course Policies

Attendance:

You are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If you miss multiple classes the Director of

Teaching and Learning and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you

to make sure that all is well. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will

be made in cases of illness, but in the case of multiple absences you will need to provide a doctor’s note.

Academic Honesty:

DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS

assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic

dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universi-

ties will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in elec-

tronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more infor-

mation, or ask your instructor if you have questions.

Course Policies to be addressed in Class:

Late papers, students who arrive late to class, use of laptops and/ or phones in class, and classroom eti-

quette.

Schedule of Classes, Readings to be Done for Each Class, and Assignment Due Dates:

Schedule is subject to change if necessary with as much notice as possible.


mailto:[email protected]

Final Syllabus


Disability and resource statement:

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the

Office of Academic Support ([email protected]) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations,

students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of clas-

ses.

Expectations

On Notes:

Notes are always nice to have and are always important to do. However, I would recommend that you take

only the necessary notes in class, and following the class reflect and recapture the period by writing your

thoughts down. Ask yourself; what were the main points? What was difficult? What did I understand and

what did I not understand? What should I read more on? What questions do I have for the next class? You

could use the online tools for this kind of notes and reflection. This is in my opinion the best way to make

the learning your own rather than mindlessly writing down everything I say.

On Reading and Reading Groups:

I expect you to read between classes, and I expect you to look up terms and phrases you are not familiar

with, and I expect you to prepare questions for class.

I recommend that you form small reading groups and work together on the texts and the questions in be-

tween classes. This is a great way to facilitate your own learning – maybe you can talk about the difficult

issues and help each other along? I suggest you meet at least once per lesson, that is, twice a week. DIS has

excellent facilities for this.

On Questions and Comments:

If you have questions between classes, you are of course welcome to write me. However, if the question is

of general relevance to the rest of the class or is a question that others might be able to answer, I suggest

you post it to the forum. I will of course answer, but everyone is invited to post their responses. This is part

of learning.

Using the Online Tools and Course Webpage:

In addition to posting your questions online to the benefit of the whole class, I suggest that you familiarize yourselves with the online tools and the webpage. Try writing a blog post, use the self-reflective journal tool for your notes, or start a discussion on a relevant topic. You can arrange the calendar of your reading group on the course page too. Field Studies: All students are expected to attend and actively participate in all field studies.

Wednesday, 15 February 8.30-12.30

Wednesday, 5 April 13.00-17.00


Final Syllabus

9 Religion and Politics in Europe I DIS I Disciplines: Political Science. Religious Studies. This syllabus is subject to change with as much notice as possible.

Course Schedule – Short

Module I: Setting the scene: Contemporary, historical and geographical contexts

1. Fri 20 Jan Welcome to Religion and Politics in Europe

2. Tues 24 Jan Of the utmost relevance: Global politics and the Resurrection of Religion

3. Fri 27 Jan Lost at Sea: Religion and Politics on board the Arbella 1630

4. Tues 31 Jan “A fire strong enough to consume the house:” Wars of Religion!

5. Fri 3 Feb State, Church and Religion in Denmark

Module I paper deadline is Friday 3 February before midnight.

Core Course Week

Module II: Religion and Secularism in Europe

6. Tues 14 Feb Religion and Secularism, part 1: Rethinking Secularism

Wed 15 Feb Visit to Christiansborg Palace and Church (8:30-12:30)

7. Fri 17 Feb Religion and Secularism, part 2: Is Europe an Exceptional Case?

8. Tues 21 Feb Challenged secular cases. Example 1: Secularism of Denmark

9. Fri 24 Feb Challenged secular cases: Example 2: New Age in Europe – Fact or Myth?

Module II paper deadline is Friday 24 February before midnight.

Long Study Tour 1 /Travel Break

Module III: Introducing Islam into Religion and Politics in Europe

10. Tues 7 Mar Islam and the Models of Church and State Relations in Europe.

11. Fri 10 Mar Islam and Politics in Denmark, Guest Lecture TBC

12. Tues 14 Mar The Fundamentalist, a Documentary

13. Fri 17 Mar Neo-fundamentalism in Europe

No Module III paper.


Module IV: Populism and the Islamic Challenge

14. Tues 28 Mar The Islamic Challenge

15. Fri 31 Mar Political Climate Change – From multiculturalism to anti-Islamism

16. Tues 4 Apr Religion and Populism – part 1

Wed 5 Apr Visit to a Copenhagen Mosque (8.30-12.30)

17. Fri 7 Apr Religion and Populism – part 2

Module IV paper deadline is Friday 7 April before midnight.

18. Tues 11 Apr Populism and the Islamic Challenge in France

19. Tues 18 Apr Populism and the Islamic Challenge in the United Kingdom

20. Fri 21 Apr Populism and the Islamic Challenge in Germany

Module V: Conclusions and perspectives

21. Tues 25 Apr Return to the Global Perspective

22. Fri 28 Apr Future of Religion and Politics exercise

23. Tues 2 May Recap and concluding remarks

Module V paper deadline is Friday 5 May before midnight


Final Syllabus


Course Schedule – Long

Module 1. Setting the scene: Contemporary, historical and geographical contexts

1. Fri 20 Jan Welcome to Religion and Politics in Europe

We will open this course with a broad discussion about the two key concepts religion

and politics. In particular, we will explore some nuances of the language used when

talking about religion and politics; how do we qualify our use of religion, politics and

secular? What is descriptive and what is normative language?

This class will also introduce you to the course more generally and to the first mod-

ule, on the various ways religion seems to have been resuscitated on the global sce-

ne. We will also make time to start getting to know each other.

We will talk about mutual expectations, requirements and the run of the course.

Text: Syllabus for this course.

2. Tues 24 Jan Of the utmost relevance: Global politics and the Resurrection of Religion

This is our present and contemporary context. Since the 19th century most sociolo-

gists have believed that religion would gradually fade in importance and cease to be

significant with the advent of modernity. During the last decade where religion has

experienced a resurrection across the world, this secularization thesis has come un-

der fire. In this class we will look at the broader historical context for this develop-

ment.

Purpose: This will give you an up-to-date idea of central politico-religious developments and

conflicts around the world, and increase your awareness of the many different and

complex ways religion bears on public affairs. You should also be able to identify

three different developments that religion has undergone since the postwar era.

Text: In God's Name: A Special Report on religion and public life. In The Economist, No-

vember 3rd 2007. (On Canvas).

Shah, Timothy Samuel and Monica Duffy Toft, 2006. Why God is Winning. In Foreign

Policy July/August 2006: 39-43. (On Canvas). (Optional)

Hobsbawn, Eric 2013 Fractured Times: Culture and Society in the Twentieth Century.

Little Brown: 204-223 (On Canvas). (Optional)

Cox, Harvey. 1995. Fire From Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the re-

shaping of religion in the Twenty-first Century”. Cambridge: Da Capo Press: 299-321.

(On Canvas). (Optional)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a short reflection (max 10 lines) on asking good

questions to the texts you have been reading for class. Firstly, note a question or

something you have been wondering. Secondly, *look it up* and post a short sum-

mary on the answer.

Questions could be, but certainly not limited to: Which religions are in play in the re-


Final Syllabus


emergence of religion? What is sharia? What is Confucianism? What is the God Delu-

tion?

3. Fri 27 Jan Lost at Sea: Religion and Politics on board the Arbella 1630

This is our historical and contextual start. John Winthrop and a band of Calvinist puri-

tans are sailing to the English colonies in America to start again. The religion and poli-

tics of the newly reformed England is unbearable for those pure of heart. Continental

Europe was in the midst the thirty years war and the English distrusted all dissidents.

On board the Arbella in the middle of the Atlantic, Winthrop gives a sermon (“A

Model of Christian Charity”) on the brotherly love – that is Charity, proper – and how

this love should be the basis of a model society to shine as an example to the world.

Purpose: We dive right into history! This is the first of three classes that give a historical back-

log to the present day conflicts and struggles about religion and politics. With Win-

throp’s sermon we are given a unique look into the European religious environment

of the day – and Winthrop’s rejection of this. Being in the middle of the Atlantic, and

therefore midway between Europe and America, we will discuss an American basis

for the criticism of European configuration of religion and politics. What kind of polity

is John Winthrop imagining? How were things back in Europe?

Text: Winthrop, John 1630: “A Model of Christian Charity.” (On Canvas)

Also: Dr. Andrew Wood’s “Summary of John Winthrop’s “Model of Christian Charity,”

Online: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/wooda/s149/149syllabus5summary.html

(Optional, but recommended)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a short reflection (max 10 lines) on reading Win-

throp’s “A Model of Christian Charity” and give three examples of words, concepts,

or ideas. Consider, for example, what is Charity, and how does it work in the text?

What are God’s directions to humankind? Why is this text so relevant in this class? Is

there anywhere in the world today, where God’s directions are the sole basis of a

new society or state?

4. Tues 31 Jan “A fire strong enough to consume the house:” Wars of Religion!

John Winthrop and the Puritans indeed had reason to escape Europe. After years of

reformation during the 16th Century, a fire of war had begun roaring through Europe,

and nothing or no-one were safe. In the eyes of history, religion was to blame, leav-

ing a stigma on religion as being inherently insidious. However, is this necessarily so?

We will look at how historio-sociologically at the European wars of religion and will

discover a new player on the stage of history being born: the Modern State!

Purpose: In this second of the three historically focused classes we follow William T.

Cavanaugh as he tries to burst the myth of religious violence. Is there anything inher-

ent in religion that would qualify as violent beyond what can be said of any human

social institution or cultural expression? Is Cavanaugh right? Isn’t he just an apologet-


http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/wooda/s149/149syllabus5summary.html

Final Syllabus


ic of religion, when he asks; ‘Aren’t people as likely to kill for the state as for religion?

Also, we compare with present day Europe, where we in early January saw French

satirists murdered by presumed Al-Qaeda terrorists and hand grenades and arson on

Mosques. Are we facing a new full out war on religion? This last question we shall re-

turn to later in the course.

Text: Cavanaugh, William T. 1995: "“A fire strong enough to consume the house:” the wars

of religion and the rise of the state." Modern Theology 11.4 (1995): 397-420.

Also: There is an excellent talk by Cavanaugh about the “Myth of Religious Violence,”

Victoria University, Australia, 30 July 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-

tb1ZHlSfJk (Optional)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a short reflection (max 10 lines) on Cavanaugh’s

explanations of the wars of religion: Why were they fought? Who stood to benefit?

What was the results? What was the relationship between Church and Sovereign be-

fore and after?

5. Fri 3 Feb State, Church and Religion in Denmark

Having so far cheated you all of a decent historical overview of the historical devel-

opments and their significance for the present, this third of three historical classes

will focus on the development of the Lutheran states, in particular of course, Den-

mark. What had Luther imagined about the relationship between state and religion,

and what actually came about? Why and how is this significant for today’s Denmark

(and Europe)?

Purpose: A rough outline is presented of the historical developments between state and reli-

gion, and at this point students are expected to be able to relate the outline of these

developments and discuss them as we approach the next module. Also, we will dis-

cuss the nature of the historical relationship between state and church, and will dis-

cuss how an analytical notion of ‘power’ has explanatory relevance to religion and

politics.

Text: Vinding, Niels Valdemar & Christoffersen, Lisbet 2012: “State, Church and Religion in

Denmark,” in Vinding & Christoffersen, Danish Regulation of Religion, State of Affairs

and Qualitative Reflections, publications from the Faculty of Theology, 2012, pp. 9-

18.

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload your choice of the five (5) most relevant or im-

portant dates and events in the State, Church and Religion relations in Denmark.

Module I paper deadline is Friday 3 February before midnight.

Core Course Week


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tb1ZHlSfJk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tb1ZHlSfJk

Final Syllabus


Module 2: Religion and Secularism in Europe

6. Tues 14 Feb Religion and Secularism, part 1: Rethinking Secularism

Which features characterize the religions that are re-emerging today? Are there cer-

tain traits that set late-modern religion apart from traditional religion and historical

religion? In this class we take as a starting point the problematic identified by the

Economist’s Special Report on religion and public life, and we continue with the the

explanations of how secularization did not deliver on the presumption to make reli-

gions irrelevant. A number of prominent thinkers and sociologists have in After Secu-

larization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue given their attempts at expla-

nations.

Purpose: After this class you should be able to identify some of the core features of today’s

highly individualized religion, and to begin to discuss the ideas of modernity and sec-

ularism in relation to this religion.


vember 3rd 2007. (On Canvas)

Casanova, José, 2006. Rethinking Secularization: A Global Comparative Perspective.

In: After Secularization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2:

7-22. (In Course Book)

Bruce, Steve. 2006. Secularization and the Impotence of Individualized Religion. In:

After Secularization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2: 35-

45. (In Course Book)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a short researcher biography (max 10 lines) on

one of the authors of the After Secularization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special

Issue. Find an author that none of your classmates have written about.

Wed 15 Feb Visit to Christiansborg Palace and Church (8:30-12:30)

7. Fri 17 Feb Religion and Secularism, part 2: Is Europe an Exceptional Case?

Keeping American configurations of religion and secularism in mind, we ask with

Grace Davie, is Europe an exceptional case, a different case? And further; if yes, how

so?

Text: Davie, Grace 2006. Is Europe an Exceptional Case? In: After Secularization 2006 – The

Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2: 23–34. (In Course Book)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload reflections (max 10 lines) about the field study.

What did you like, what did you learn, what questions are you left with?


Final Syllabus


8. Tues 21 Feb Challenged secular cases. Example 1: Secularism of Denmark

How would you describe religion in Denmark? What characterizes the kind of reli-

giousness you typically find here in Denmark? After having been emerged into Danish

society for more than a month it is time to take a closer and more systematic look at

the religious landscape in Denmark. In particular, we will discuss the Brorson Church

Asylum Case, where around 60 Iraqi asylum seekers had taken refuge in a church.

This cases poses critical questions to the secular, and asks if we are seeing a recon-

figuration of sacred public space?

Purpose: After this class you should be able to describe some of the religious changes and de-

velopments that have occurred in Denmark during the last 35 years and give exam-

ples of how things are still changing.

Text: Raun Iversen, Hans. 2006. “Secular Religion and Religious Secularism: A profile of the

religious development in Denmark since 1968.” In: Nordic Journal of Religion and So-

ciety: 19,2: 75-92. (On Canvas)

Christoffersen, Lisbet. 2011. “Sacred Spaces in Secular (Post-) Lutheran Contexts. On

Brorson Church Asylum Case.” In: Wyller, Trygve, Rosemarie van den Breemer, and

Jose Casanova, eds. Secular and Sacred?: The Scandinavian Case of Religion in Human

Rights, Law and Public Space. Vol. 15. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2013, 102-122.

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a short reflection (max 10 lines) on what Lisbet

Christoffersen might mean with “the post-secular”? This is one of the operative con-

cepts of this class, so please try to explain it in your own words.

9. Fri 24 Feb Challenged secular cases: Example 2: New Age in Europe – Fact or Myth?

Are the reports about New Age growth in Europe exaggerated or will this new and

highly individualistic religiosity compensate for the decline in European Christen-

dom? This question is central to the current debate about secularization in Europe

and by focusing on the work of Paul Heelas we will be able to see how two leading

sociologists reach two contradictory predictions of the future of New Age religion in

Europe. In this class we will also compare New Age religion to other more traditional

forms of religion.

Purpose: After this class you should be able to distinguish between classical theism and New

Age spirituality. To show how an orthodox model of secularization can be defended

at a time where most seem to find evidence of an increasing de-secularization.

Text: Heelas, Paul. 2006. Challenging Secularization Theory: The Growth of “New Age” In:

After Secularization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2: 46-

58. (In Course Book)


Final Syllabus


Canvas: On the evening before class, upload examples of “New Age”-religions, or new reli-

gions, or religions that are somehow an expression of a new kind of spirituality tied

to the 20th or 21st century.

Module II paper deadline is Friday 24 February before midnight.


Module 3: Introducing Islam into Religion and Politics in Europe

10. Tues 7 Mar Islam and the Models of Church and State Relations in Europe.

So far our discussions have focused on majority religion, in particular the Lutheran

Majority Church in Denmark. In broad terms, dissidents left with the Arbella. The

state had won, and after long development, European constitutions had allowed for

religious freedom only because states in Europe felt confident in their secular ambi-

tions. However, with the entrance of Islam into Europe after Second World War

things start to change. Islam as a religious actor in Europe coincides with the chal-

lenge to secularism and the governing models of understanding things are increas-

ingly contested.

Purpose: After this class students should be able to discuss how models are both normative

and descriptive, and how great care should be taken when simplifying the complexi-

ties of church, religion and state in Europe.

Text: Vinding, Niels Valdemar, 2013. “Chapter Three: The Governing Models of Church,

State and Religion Relations in Europe” in: Muslim Positions in the Religio-

Organisational Fields of Denmark, Germany and England, Publications from the Fac-

ulty of Theology no. 42, 87-115

Canvas: Read carefully the text of today, and upload any comments – good, bad, suggestions,

ideas – as if you were a reviewer for a newspaper or academic journal.

11. Fri 10 Mar Islam and Politics in Denmark, Guest Lecture TBC

Today, we dive into the specifics of politics with relations to Islam and Muslims in

Denmark. The history of Islam in Denmark, which frames and fuels the political dis-

course in Denmark, is comparable to the history of Islam in many other European

countries. With the specific theme of Islam in religion and politics in Europe, we have

opened our returning thematic for the rest of the course.

Purpose: After this class students should have a feel for Danish politics and Islam, and should

be able to give an elementary overview of Islam in Denmark. This class introduces

some of the themes to be revisited when we focus on the Danish Cartoon Crisis later

in the course.


Final Syllabus


Text: Jacobsen, Brian Arly, 2014. “Denmark,” in Nielsen (ed) et al., Yearbook on Muslims in

Europe, vol. 6, Brill Publishers 2014

Jacobsen, Brian Arly, 2013. “Politics of Mainstream and Extremist Parties on Integra-

tion of Immigrants and Minorities - Denmark.” In: Politics and Policies of Integration

in Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Denmark and at the EU Level . red. / Radko Hokovský;

Jiří Kopal. 1. udg. Brno, Czech Republic & Praha: League of Human Rights & European

Values Think-Tank, 2013.

Canvas: On the evening before class, explore Danish party politics through available online

sources and upload to Canvas three observations about things distinct to Denmark. It

could be; number of seats in parliament, separation of power, interesting observa-

tions from the constitution, thoughts on the June 2015 election, observation about

government and ministers, and so on.

12. Tues 14 Mar The Fundamentalist, a Documentary

In the next two classes we will study and discuss fundamentalism within European Is-

lam. In this first class we will start out by watching the documentary “The Fundamen-

talist”. A documentary, which sets out to tell how fundamentalism, with its complex

history, has become a global phenomenon. It does so by visiting Christian, Hindu,

Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist fundamentalists around the world. This film gives us an

excellent opportunity to reflect upon both similarities and differences within global

fundamentalism.

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload definitions of religious extremism from whatever

sources you might find relevant. Consider before we see the documentary what is

the relationship between extremism and fundamentalism?

13. Fri 17 Mar Neo-fundamentalism in Europe

As a result of immigration from Africa and the Middle East, Islam has made a big im-

pact on the way many Europeans today conceive culture, politics, and identity. The

same goes for European Muslims. Living in a modern Europe has changed the way

people invoke Islam to organize their life and interpret their social reality.

Purpose: In this class, you are invited to share your thoughts on the documentary “The Fun-

damentalist”. You will further more learn about the development within Islam from

classical fundamentalism to neo-fundamentalism and discuss radical Islam as an in-

tegral part of the modern European context.

Text: Roy, Olivier. 2007. Islam in Europe – Clash of Religions or Convergence of

Religiosities? On Eurozine. (On Canvas)

Roy, Olivier. 2006. Islam in the West or Western Islam? – The Disconnect of Religion

and Culture. In After Secularization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol.

8, No: 1-2: 127–132. (In Course Book – optional read)


Final Syllabus


Canvas: No specific exercise for this class, but read Olivier Roy carefully, as we will be having

a two-team quiz on the process that leads to fundamentalism and extremism.

Module IV. Populism and the Islamic Challenge

14. Tues 28 Mar The Islamic Challenge

In 2005, Jytte Klausen published her interview study The Islamic Challenge - Politics

and Religion in Western Europe which was one of the first books to examine the re-

sponse of European Muslim leaders to the idea that there exists a 'clash of civiliza-

tions' between religious Muslims and secular Europeans. That Islamic Challenge per-

sists still and the revitalization of right-wing populism seems up to the task, but

where does that leave religion and politics in Europe? That is the question for this

Module IV on populism and the Islamic challenge.

Text: Jytte Klausen, 2005: “Introduction: Islam in Europe,” & “Conclusion: Liberal Muslims

and the Emergence of European Islam”, in Klausen: The Islamic Challenge, Oxford

University Press, 2005 (On Canvas)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a short reflection (max 10 lines) on what Jytte

Klausen might consider as a ‘challenge,’ relating to her title The Islamic Challenge.

15. Fri 31 Mar Political Climate Change – From multiculturalism to anti-Islamism

In this class we will set out to understand why Europeans have reacted and dealt

with religious issues during the past 10 years the way they have. To do so we need to

look at the religious terrorism and violence that have hit Europe since the beginning

of the 2000s and contributed to changing many Europeans’ perception of and feel-

ings towards Islam and democratic values. One of the returning questions in the

module is if religious freedom in Europe is in fact freedom of religion or freedom

from religion?

Cases: You will be divided into five groups. Each group will in class prepare a five-minute

presentation on one of these five cases:

Charlie Hebdo and the 2015 shootings

The 2005 London Bombings

The ongoing discussions on the Veil in France

The Murder of Theo van Gogh in 2004

PEGIDA in Germany

Text: Material for each group is available online.

Nilüfer Göle 2006. “Islam in European Publics” In After Secularization 2006 – The

Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2: (In Course Book – optional read)

Canvas: No exercise for Canvas but familiarize yourselves with the cases.


Final Syllabus


Wed 26 Oct: Field Study* (8:30 to 12:30) – Visit to a Copenhagen Mosque

16. Tues 4 Apr Religion and Populism – part 1

There is little doubt that European populism in a force to be reckoned with and that

it is very much tied to religion. This connection is two-fold. Much populism is anti-

Islamic or anti-Islamist, but even in positive terms, populists recognize the values and

virtues connected to Christianity – in one way or the other. In this class, we explore

this connection between Religion and Populism.

Study: In this class, we explore this connection between Religion and Populism. Fareed Za-

karias text is a straight forward introduction to ‘Populism on the March’ from an

American perspective. Marzouki & McDonnell’s introduction to their book explores

the specifics of religion and populism, and in the coming classes, we will read more

from their Saving the People. How Populists Hijack Religion. Each of these text gives

their introduction, explanation and definition of ‘populism.’

Text: Fareed Zakaria (2016): ‘Populism on the March,’ Foreign Affairs, Novem-

ber/December 2016. (On Canvas)

N. Marzouki., & McDonnell, D (2016): “Ch. 1. Populism and Religion,” in: Marzouki,

McDonnell and Roy (eds): Saving the People. How Populists Hijack Religion. Hurst &

Company Publishers, London (On Canvas)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a short paragraph on a populist or nationalist or-

ganization, party or group in a chosen European country. Note what – if any – link to

religion there is. Note, there are many different European countries.

Wed 5 Apr Visit to a Copenhagen Mosque (8.30-12.30)

17. Fri 7 Apr Religion and Populism – part 2: Guest lecture with Ditte Maria Sørensen (TBC)

After having discussed the concept of populism and its relationship with religion, we

dig a little deeper. Ditte Maria Sørensen is a Ph.D.-candidate with the Institute of Pol-

lical Science at University of Copenhagen, where she specializes in European politics

and populism. Her project is titled: Contesting Ideologies of European Democracy.

Texts: Roy, Olivier (2016): “Ch. 12. Beyond Populism: The Conservative Right, the Courts,

the Churches and the Concept of a Christian Europe,” in: Marzouki, McDonnell and

Roy (eds): Saving the People. How Populists Hijack Religion. Hurst & Company Pub-

lishers, London (On Canvas)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload questions that you would like to ask Ditte Maria

Sørensen.

Module IV paper deadline is Friday 7 April before midnight.


Final Syllabus


18. Tues 11 Apr Populism and the Islamic Challenge in France

A short while ago, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy suggested that it be

made illegal to wear the fully face-covering Burka in public France. In 2016, a

‘Burkini’-ban was introduced and This adds another chapter to the heated debate on

the Muslim Veil in the French public schools that has been blazing for two decades

now.

While interesting in and of itself, it seems indicatory of the public sentiment that is

fueling French Populism and the French National Front fronted by presidential hope-

ful, Marine Le Pen. The class should be on topic as the election will be held on 23

April 2017.

Purpose: In this class, we will delve into the French incarnation of populism, focusing on the

French National Front and the upcoming 2017 French elections. We will look at the

broader political context, the main actors and the issues being raised. This should

give you an overview of 15 years of intense debate about Muslims, secularism,

French identity and citizenship.

Texts: Roy, Olivier (2016): “Ch. 6. The French National Front: From Christian Identity to Lai-

cité” in: Marzouki, McDonnell and Roy (eds): Saving the People. How Populists Hijack

Religion. Hurst & Company Publishers, London (On Canvas)

Bowen, John (2004): Muslims and Citizens: France's headscarf controversy. In The

Boston Review, February/March 2004 (On Canvas) (Optional)

Asad, Talal (2006). French Secularism and the “Islamic Veil Affair”. In: After Seculari-

zation 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2: 23–34. (In

Course Book) (Optional)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload short reflections (max 10 lines) on France’s rela-

tionship with religion, in general, and Islam, in particular. This can be from a histori-

cal, a political, a sociological or a religious point of view.

19. Tues 18 Apr Populism and the Islamic Challenge in the United Kingdom

In this class, we discuss Britain after Brexit. The UK case in the optics of populism is

very much a case of the populists being held responsible for their policy and their ar-

guments against the elites and the foreigners. By the end 2016, no strategy has yet

emerged from the government as to the transition out of the EU nor for remedying

the damages of this exit.

As seen in the literature so far, religion and the symbolics and values of religion plays

a significant role. However, Timothy Peace argues that Britain is an infertile breeding

ground for populists wishing to use religion to advance their cause. How do Brexit

and Timothy Peace’s arguments align?

Text: Peace, Timothy (2016): “Religion and Populism in Britain: An Infertile Breeding

Ground?” in: Marzouki, McDonnell and Roy (eds): Saving the People. How Populists

Hijack Religion. Hurst & Company Publishers, London (On Canvas)


Final Syllabus


Bowen, John R. (2010) "How Could English Courts Recognize Shariah?," University of

St. Thomas Law Journal: Vol. 7: Iss. 3, Article 3. (On Canvas, optional).

Available at: http://ir.stthomas.edu/ustlj/vol7/iss3/3

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a list of some of the agents, individuals, organi-

zations, political parties, institutions and so on, who might have a vested interest in

contesting or antagonizing Muslims in United Kingdom.

20. Fri 21 Apr Populism and the Islamic Challenge in Germany

In Germany, the question of populism might be particularly messy and we see a per-

fect storm in the making before the autumn 2017 German elections (date TBA). Not

only does nationalism and populism have a very troubled past with Nazism and far

right wing sentiments, but also leftist populism left significant a mark on the German

history. After the fall of the Berlin wall, the unified Germany struggled with a poor,

most east-German middle-class, and with the recent influx of refugees and migrants

that middle class is now speaking up. Adding to that, as we explored in earlier clas-

ses, Germany is divided between Catholics and Protestants, which feeds into a Chris-

tian value base.

Text: VIDEO: Probst, Lothar. "The Populist Challenge: Germany and the United States be-

fore the Elections." Ensemble video, 01:06:15. October 4, 2016.

http://scholar.dickinson.edu/clarkeforum_lectures/12/

Frank Peter, 2010; “Welcoming Muslims into the Nation. Tolerance Politics and Inte-

gration in Germany,” in Cecari (2010), J., (ed), Muslims in Europe and the United

States since 9/11, London: Routledge (On Canvas, optional)

Canvas: On the evening before class, upload a reflection on the video and note comparisons

between Germany and the USA.

Module V: Conclusions and Perspectives

21. Tues 25 Apr Return to the global perspective

Having discussed the particular European arrangements and using the ‘Islamic Chal-

lenge’ as our returning case, we look again to the global perspective and try to posi-

tion European identity in the wider perspective. We also see what conclusions begin

forming.


vember 3rd 2007. (On Canvas)

Slavica Jakelić 2006: “Secularization, European Identity, and “The End of the West,””

In: After Secularization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2,

(In Course Book)


http://scholar.dickinson.edu/clarkeforum_lectures/12/

Final Syllabus


Canvas: On the evening before class, upload any reflections, questions and comments you

might have on the wider perspective of this semester’s classes. How does it all ties

together? What themes and perspectives have arisen? Where are we after terror in

Copenhagen and in France in 2015 and ten years after the Cartoons Crisis? Have Eu-

rope entered the post-Secular? Are we – again – seeing religion as the sole definer of

similarities and differences, and even of new states (ISIS)?

22. Fri 28 Apr The Future of Religion and Politics exercise

In this module we will rehearse the final Case Assignment, to get clear on the differ-

ent perspective and trends of things. Neither this module nor the assignment is

about trying to predict the future, but is about trending and drawing conclusions

from developments and changes in progress.

Text: John Vinocur, 2015: “A Novel Approach to France’s Future, and Present -

Michel Houellebecq’s new book raises questions about the political fictions that

shape Paris’s current immigration debate.” in the Wall Street Journal,

http://www.wsj.com/articles/john-vinocur-michel-houellebecqs-novel-approach-to-

frances-future-and-present-1420490457

Tariq Ramadan 2015;

“Leading Muslim Scholar Tariq Ramadan: Attack on Paris Magazine "a Pure Betrayal

of Our Religion, "

http://www.democracynow.org/2015/1/7/leading_muslim_scholar_tariq_ramadan_

attack

Canvas: No assignment, but prepare observations on trends and developments that are hap-

pening now, and which will have an impact on the next 10 years.

23. Tues 2 May Recap and concluding perspectives

In this class we will start out with a short test. We will talk about what was

covered in the course. Which questions are still hanging in the air? And of

course a big goodbye.


http://www.wsj.com/articles/john-vinocur-michel-houellebecqs-novel-approach-to-frances-future-and-present-1420490457

http://www.wsj.com/articles/john-vinocur-michel-houellebecqs-novel-approach-to-frances-future-and-present-1420490457

http://www.democracynow.org/2015/1/7/leading_muslim_scholar_tariq_ramadan_attack

http://www.democracynow.org/2015/1/7/leading_muslim_scholar_tariq_ramadan_attack

Final Syllabus


Course Reading Material

Course Book

After Secularization 2006 – The Hedgehog Review – Special Issue, Vol. 8, No: 1-2.

http://www.iasc-culture.org/THR/hedgehog_review_2006-Spring-Summer.php

On Canvas

1. Al-Azhar Islamic Research Academy Statement (Cairo: Egypt) .(2005). The Cartoons. In: Profet

Affærden, edited by Anders Jerichow and Mille Rode. Published by Danish PEN. 24-25.

2. Bilgrami, Akeel. (2011). Secularism: Its content and context. On

http://blogs.ssrc.org/tif/2011/10/20/secularism-its-content-and-context/

3. Bowen, John (2004): Muslims and Citizens: France's headscarf controversy. In The Boston Review,

February/March 2004

4. Cox, Harvey. 1995. Fire From Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the reshaping of reli-

gion in the Twenty-first Century”. Cambridge: Da Capo Press: 299-321.

5. The Economist 1999. God – An Obituary. In the Millennium Issue of The Economist.

6. Fink, Roger and Rodney Stark. 2008. Churching of America 1776-2005. Rutgers University Press. 5-6.

7. In God's Name: A Special Report on religion and public life. In The Economist, November 3rd 2007.

(Exact articles tbc)

8. Islamisk Trossamfund and others .(2005). Letter to Muslim Ambassadors. In: Profet Affærden, edit-

ed by Anders Jerichow and Mille Rode. Published by Danish PEN. 18-19.

9. Joppke, Christian, 2009. Veil: Mirror of Identity. Polity Press: 1-26.

10. Muslim Ambassadors in DK .(2005). Letter to the primeminister of Denmark. In: Profet Affærden,

edited by Anders Jerichow and Mille Rode. Published by Danish PEN. 24-25.

11. Norris, Pippa and Inglehart, Ronald. 2007. Uneven secularization in The United States and Western

Europe. In Democracy and the new Religious Pluralism. Edited by Thomas Banchoff. Oxford Univer-

sity Press: 31-57.

12. Nussbaum, Martha (2010): Veiled Threats? OpEd in The New York Times, 11 July.

13. Raun Iversen, Hans. 2006. Secular Religion and Religious Secularism: A profile of the religious de-

velopment in Denmark since 1968. In: Nordic Journal of Religion and Society: 19,2: 75-92.

14. Marzouki, McDonnell and Roy (eds): Saving the People. How Populists Hijack Religion. Hurst &

Company Publishers, London (On Canvas)

15. Roy, Olivier. 2007. Islam in Europe – Clash of Religions or Convergence of Religiosities? On Eurozine.

16. Shah, Timothy Samuel and Monica Duffy Toft 2006. Why God is Winning. In Foreign Policy Ju-

ly/August 2006: 39-43.

17. The Stasi Commission (2003): The Stasi Report: The report of the Committee of Reflection on the

Application of the Principle of Secularity in the Republic. William S. Hein & Co., Inc.

18. Walzer, Michael. (1999). Drawing the Line: Religion and Politics. In Utah Law Review, vol. 3: 619-38.

19. Weil, Patrick (2009). Why the French Laicitè is Liberal. In: Cardozo Law Review, Vol. 30:6: 2699-

2714.

20. White, Sven (2004). Hijab Hysteria: France and its Muslims. On: OpenDemocracy.net.

21. Zuckerman, Phil. 2008. Society Without God. New York University Press

On Canvas (Optional readings)


http://www.iasc-culture.org/THR/hedgehog_review_2006-Spring-Summer.php

http://blogs.ssrc.org/tif/2011/10/20/secularism-its-content-and-context/

Final Syllabus


1. Ammitzbøll, Pernille and Lorenzo Vidino. (2007). After the Danish Cartoon Controversy. In: Middle

East Quarterly, Winter 2007.

2. Berger, Peter, 2007. Pluralism, Protestantization, and the Voluntary Principle. In: Democracy and

the New Religious Pluralism, edited by Thomas Banchoff. Oxford University Press: 19-30.

3. Briefing: The fate of Catholic Europe. In: The Economist, August 13th 2010.

4. Eltahawy, Mona (2012). Why do they Hate Us? In: Foreign Policy, May/Jun 2012, 64-70.

5. Graff, James (2004). Should France Ban Headscarf? On: Time.com.

6. Inglehart, Ronald. 1997. Modernization and Postmodernization: Cultural, Economic, and Political

Change in 43 Societies. Princeton University Press. 30-45.

7. Sadjadpour, Karim (2012). The Ayatollah Under the Bed(Sheets). In: Foreign Policy, May/Jun 2012,

74-80.

8. Weil, Patrick (2004). A nation in diversity: France, Muslims and the headscarf. On: Opendemocra-

cy.net.

Background Bibliography

For a thought provoking introduction, see The

Economist 2007 special report ‘In God’s Name – A

Special Report on Religion and Public Life. Nov 3rd

2007.

(http://www.economist.com/sites/default/files/s

pecial-reports-pdfs/10015148.pdf)

Collections on Secularization, Secularism and the Religion-Politics Relation

1969 Birnbaum, Norman & Lenzer, Gertrud (eds.) Sociology and Religion: A Book of Readings. Eng-

lewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.

1992 Bruce, Steve (ed.) Religion and Modernization: Sociologists and Historians Debate the Seculariza-

tion Thesis. New York: Oxford University Press.

1998 Bhargava, Rajeev (ed.) Secularism and Its Critics. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.

1999 Berger, Peter L. (ed.) The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics.

Washington DC: Ethics and Public Policy Center.

2000 Jensen, Tim & Rothstein, Mikael (eds.) Secular Theories on Religion. København: Museum Tuscu-

lanum.


http://www.economist.com/sites/default/files/special-reports-pdfs/10015148.pdf





Final Syllabus


—— Swatos, William H. Jr. & Olson, Daniel V.A. (eds.) The Secularization Debate. Lanham: Rowman &

Littlefield.

2003 Smith, Christian (red.). The Secular Revolution: Power, Interests, and Conflict in the Secularization

of American Public Life. Berkeley: University of California Press.

2004 Hammer, Olav & Raudvere, Catharina (red.) Med Gudomlig Auktoritet – Om Religionens Kraft i

Politiken (With Divine Authority – on the power of religion on politics (in Scandinavian languages))

Stockholm: Makadam Förlag.

2005 Berger, Peter L. (ed.) The Desecularization of the World – Resurgent Religion and World Politics.

2006 After Secularization – The Hedgehog Review Special Double Issue. 8 (1-2).

—— Nordic Journal of Religion and Society. 19 (2). (Secularization and Secularism special issue)

—— Tidsskriftet Politik. 9 (1) (Religion and Politics special issue (in Danish))

—— Michalski, Krzysztof. (ed.). Religion in the New Europe. Central European University Press.

(http://www.ceupress.com/books/html/TheroleofReligion.htm)

Key Monographs on Secularization and Secularism

An-Na’im, Abdullah A. 2005. Political Islam in National Politics and International Relations. In: Berger, Peter

L. (ed.) The Desecularization of the World – Resurgent Religion and World Politics. William B. Eerdmans

Publishing Company.

Asad, Talal. 2003. Formations of the Secular: Christianity, Islam, Modernity. Stanford: Standford University

Press.

Audi, Robert. 2000. Religious Commitment and Secular Reason. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Bader, Veit. 2007. Secularism or Democracy? – Associational Governance of Religious Diversity. Amsterdam:

Amsterdam University Press.

Berger, Peter L. 1967. The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion. Garden City: Dou-

bleday.

Bruce, Steve. 2002. God is Dead: Secularization in the West. Oxford: Blackwell, 2002.

——— 2003. Politics and Religion. Oxford: Polity.

Casanova, José. 1994. Public Religions in the Modern World. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Connolly, William E. 1999. Why I am not a Secularist. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

Gauchet, Marcel. 1997. The Disenchantment of the World – A Political History of Religion. Princeton UP.

Habermas, Jürgen & Ratzinger, Joseph. 2007. The Dialectics of Secularization – On Reason and Religion.

Ignatius Press.


http://www.ceupress.com/books/html/TheroleofReligion.htm

Final Syllabus


Herbert, David. 2003. Religion and Civil Society – Rethinking Public Religion in the Contemporary World.

Ashgate.

Hurd, Elizabeth Shakman. 2007. The Politics of Secularism in International Relations. Princeton: Princeton

University Press.

Jacoby, Susan. 2004. Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism. New York: Scribner Press.

Juergensmeyer, Mark. 1993. The New Cold War: Religious Nationalism Confronts the Secular State. Berke-

ley: University of California Press.

Lila, Mark. 2007. The Stillborn God – Religion, Politics, and the Modern West. Alfred A. Knope: New York.

Martin, David. 1978. A General Theory of Secularization. Oxford: Blackwell.

——— 2005. On Secularization: Towards a Revised General Theory. London: Ashgate.

Norris, Pippa & Ingelhart, Ronald. 2004. Sacred and Secular: Religion and Politics Worldwide. New York:

Cambridge University Press.

Roy, Olivier. 2007. Secularism Confronts Islam. New York: Columbia University Press.

Taylor, Charles. 2007. A Secular Age. Cambridge Mass: Harvard University Press.

Weber, Max. 1920. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Penguin Classics. 2002.

Articles and Other on Secularization and Secularism

Asad, Talal. 1993. Genealogies of Religion: Discipline and Reasons of Power in Christianity and Islam. Balti-

more: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Ash, Timothy Garton. 2005. Christian Europe RIP. In The Guardian - daily comment.

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1464532,00.html)

Audi, Robert. 1989. The Separation of Church and State and the Obligations of Citizenship. Philosophy &

Public Affairs. 18 (3): 259-296.

——— 1991. Religious Commitment and Secular Reason: A Reply to Professor Weitman. Philosophy &

Public Affairs. 20: 66-76.

——— 2005. Moral Foundations of Liberal Democracy, Secular Reasons, and Liberal Neutrality toward

the Good. Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics, and Public Policy. 19 (1): 197-218.

Beckford, James A. 2003. Social Theory and Religion. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Benhabib, Seyla. 2002. Unholy Politics. In Constellations – An International Journal of Critical and Democrat-

ic Theory.

Berger, Peter L. 1983. Secularity: West and East. I: Cultural Identity and Modernization in Asian Countries

(http://www2.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cimac/berger.html)

——— 2005. The Desecularization of the World: A Global Overview In: Berger, Peter L. (ed.) The

Desecularization of the World – Resurgent Religion and World Politics. William B. Eerdsmans

Publishing Company.

Berg-Sørensen, Anders. 2006a. Hinsides sekularisme og hvad så? Religionsvidenskabeligt Tidsskrift. 48: 51-

64.

——— 2006b. Religion i det offentlige rum?. Kritik 182: 30-38.

——— 2006c. Politicising Religions. Political Theory. 34 (6): 800-806.

Beyer, Peter. 2000. Secularization from the Perspective of Globalization. In: Swatos, William H. Jr. & Olson,

Daniel V.A. (eds.) The Secularization Debate. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.

——— 2007. Political Challenges from Religion in the 21st Century. Unpublished Manuscript.

Bhargava, Rajeev. 1998. What is Secularism For? I Secularism and Its Critics. Redigeret af R. Bhargava. New

Delhi: Oxford University Press: 486-542.

——— 2006. Political Secularism. I The Oxford Handbook of Political Theory. Edited by Dryzek, J.S.,

Honig, B., & Philips. A. Oxford: Oxford University Press.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1464532,00.html

http://www2.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cimac/berger.html

Final Syllabus


Bilgrami, Akeel. 1998. Secularism, Nationalism, and Modernity. I Secularism and Its Critics. Redigeret af R.

Bhargava. New Delhi: Oxford University Press: 380-417.

Bjerager, Erik. 2006a. Når Fornuften Når Sin Grænse. Kristeligt Dagblad. (http://krist.kristeligt-

dagblad.dk/artikel/267174:Anmeldelser--Naar-fornuften-naar-sin-graense)

——— 2006b. Gud Bevare Danmark – Et Opgør Med Sekularismen. Gyldendal

(https://www.gyldendal.dk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product+10001+10002+25557+1000+

10091)

Bowen, John R. 2007. Why the French Don't Like Headscarves – Islam, the State, and Public Space. Prince-

ton: Princeton University Press.

Carter, Stephen L. 1993. The Culture of Disbelief. New York: Basic Press.

Casanova, José. 2004. Religion, European Secular Identities, and European Integration. In Eurozine.

(http://www.eurozine.com/articles/2004-07-29-casanova-en.html)

——— 2007. Political Challenges from Religion in the 21st Century. Unpublished Manuscript.

Chadwick, Owen. 1975. The Secularization of the European Mind in the 19th Century. Cambridge: Cambridge

University Press.

Chaves, Mark. 1994. Secularization as Declining Religious Authority. Social Forces 72 (3): 749-774.

Connolly, William E. 2005. Pluralism. Durham N.C.: Duke University Press.

Cox, Harvey. 1995. Fire from Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the Reshaping of Religion in

the 21st Century. Reading: Addison-Wesley.

Crone, Manni. 2005. Er islamisk sekularisme en modsigelse? Distinktion: Scandinavian Journal of Social

Theory. 10: 107-119.

Davie, Grace. 2005. Europe: The Exception that Proves the Rule? In: Berger, Peter L. (ed.) The Deseculariza-

tion of the World – Resurgent Religion and World Politics. William B. Eerdmans Publishing

Company.

Dawson, Lorne L. 2006. Privatisation, Globalisation, and Religious Innovation: Giddens' Theory of Modernity

and the Refutation of Secularisation Theory. I Theorising Religion. Redigeret af J.A. Beckford &

J. Walliss. Aldershot: Ashgate.

Demerath, N.J. & Karen S. Straight. 1998. Religion, Politics, and the State: Cross-Cultural Observations.

(http://www.crosscurrents.org/Demerath.htm)

Dobbelaere, Karel. 1987. Some Trends in European Sociology of Religion: The Secularization Debate. Socio-

logical Analysis. 48 (2): 107-137.

——— 2004. Assessing Secularization Theory. I: New Approaches to the Study of Religion. Redigeret af

P. Antes, A.W. Geertz, R.R. Warne. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter

Duin, Julia. 2005. Religion under a Secular Assault. The Washington Times.

Durkheim, Emile. 1912. The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. New York: Free Press, 1915.

Greeley, Andrew M. 1972. Unsecular Man: The Persistence of Religion. New York: Schocken.

Habermas, Jürgen. 1962. The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere. An Inquiry into a Category of

Bourgeois Society. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, 1999.

——— 2001. Glauben und Wissen. Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag.

——— 2005. Zwischen Naturalismus und Religion – Philosophische Aufsätze. Frankfurt am Main:

Suhrkamp Verlag.

——— 2006. Religion in the Public Sphere. European Journal of Philosophy. 14 (1): 1-25.

Hansen, Thomas Blom. 1992. Sekularisering, religion og ideologi i den moderne verden. Udvikling og Teori.

13 (38): 35-57.


http://krist.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/267174:Anmeldelser--Naar-fornuften-naar-sin-graense

http://www.gyldendal.dk/gud-bevare-danmark-id15755

http://www.eurozine.com/articles/2004-07-29-casanova-en.html

http://www.crosscurrents.org/Demerath.htm

Final Syllabus


Hunter, James Davidson. 1983. American Evangelicanism: Conservative Religion and the Quandary of Mo-

dernity. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press.

Jarlner, Michael & Jerichow, Anders. 2005. Grænser for Gud – Giv Det Verdslige Samfund en Chance. Kø-

benhavn: Gyldendal. (http://www.gyldendal.dk/graenser-for-gud-id14763)

Klausen, Jytte. 2006. The Islamic Challenge: Politics and Religion in Western Europe. Nyhedsbrev, 19. marts

2006, Københavns Universitets Satsningsområde, Religion i det 21. århundrede.

Kopelowitz, Exra. 2005. Why has a Sociology of Religion not Developed in Israel? A Look at the Influence of

the Socio-Political Environment of the Study of Religion: A Research Note.

Lindekilde, Lasse E. 2007. Claims-making of the Danish Muslims during the Muhammad Caricatures Contro-

versy: A Challenge to the Principles of the Secular Publilc Sphere? Unpublished Manuscript.

Luckmann, Thomas. 1967. The Invisible Religion: The Problem of Religion in Modern Society. New York:

Macmillan.

Luhmann, Niklas. 1977. Funktion der Religion. Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag.

——— 2000. Die Religion der Gesellschaft. Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag.

Lübbe, Herman. 1965. Säkularisierung – Geschichte eines ideenpolitischen Begriffs. Freiburg: Alber.

Lykkeberg, Rune. 2005. Når Fornuften Kalder På Religion som Redning. In Information.

(http://information.dk/115966)

Lægaard, Sune. 2007. The Normative Implications of Moderate Secularism. Manuskript.

Marsden, George M. 1994. The Soul of the University: From Protestant Enlightenment to Established Nonbe-

lief. New York: Oxford University Press.

Marsden, George & Bradley, J. Longfield. 1992. The Secularization of the Academy. New York: Oxford Uni-

versity Press.

Martin, David. 1965. Towards Eliminating the Concept of Secularization. I Penguin Survey of the Social Sci-

ences. Redigeret af Ed. J. Gould. Baltimore: Penguin: 169-182.

——— 1978. A General Theory of Secularization. Oxford: Blackwell.

——— 2002. Pentacostalism: The World Their Parish. Oxford: Blackwell.

——— 2005a. On Secularization: Towards a Revised General Theory. London: Ashgate.

——— 2005b. The Evangelical Protestant Upsurge and Its Political Implications. In: Berger, Peter L.

(ed.) The Desecularization of the World – Resurgent Religion and World Politics. William B.

Eerdsmans Publishing Company.

Modood, Tariq & Kastoryano, Riva. 2006. Secularism and the Accommodation of Muslims in Europe. I Mul-

ticulturalism, Muslims, and Citizenship: A European Approach. Redigeret af Modood, T., Tri-

andafyllidou, A. & Zapata-Barrero, R. London: Routledge.

Nielsen, Anne Mark. 2007. Blasphemy and Freedom of Expression: A Pre-Modern Accommodation of Reli-

gion Versus a Modern Virtue? Unpublished Manuscript.

Qvortrup, Lars. 2006. Religionens genkomst. Niklas Luhmanns religionsteori. Religions-videnskabeligt Tids-

skrift. 49: 3-28.

Redhead, Mark. 2006. Alternative Secularisms. Philosophy and Social Criticism. 32 (5): 639-666.

Roy, Olivier. 2007. Islam in Europe – Clash of Religions or Convergence of Religiosities? Eurozine.

(http://www.eurozine.com/articles/2007-05-03-roy-en.html)

Ruthven, Malise. 2007. The Islamic Optimist (On Tariq Ramadan). In The New York Review of Books, 54 (13),

16 August 2007. (http://www.nybooks.com/articles/20503)

Sacks, Jonathan. 2005. Judaism and Politics in the Modern World. In: Berger, Peter L. (ed.) The Deseculari-

zation of the World – Resurgent Religion and World Politics. William B. Eerdsmans Publishing

Company.


http://www.gyldendal.dk/graenser-for-gud-id14763

http://information.dk/115966

http://www.eurozine.com/articles/2007-05-03-roy-en.html

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/20503

Final Syllabus


Sand, Erik Reenberg. 2005. Safranklædte mænd i politik: Kanchi acaryaen og Ayodhya-konflikten. Chaos.

43: 125-137.

——— 2006. State and Religion in India: The Indian Secular Model. Nordic Journal of Religion and

Society. 19 (2): 3-15.

Sandel, Michael J. 1998. Religious Liberty: Freedom of Choice or Freedom of Conscience. I Secularism and

Its Critics. Redigeret af R. Bhargava. New Delhi: Oxford University Press: 73-93.

Schultz, Kevin M. 2006. Secularization: A Bibliographic Essay. After Secularization – The Hedgehog Review –

Special Double Issue. 8 (1-2): 170-177.

Scott, David & Hirshkind, Charles. 2006. Powers of the Secular: Talal Asad and His Interlocutors. Stanford:

Stanford University Press.

Sen, Amartya. 1998. Secularism and Its Discontents. I Secularism and Its Critics. Redigeret af R. Bhargava.

New Delhi: Oxford University Press: 454-485.

Sheikh, Mona K. 2007. Fearing Secularism – A Security Analysis of Religion and Radicalism in Radical Islam-

ism. Manuscript.

Shiner, Larry. 1967. The Concept of Secularization in Empirical Research. Journal for the Scientific Study of

Religion. 6: 207-220.

Sløk, Camilla. 2007. Defining the Core Values of the Danish Society in a Global World: The Danish Cartoon

Crisis 2005/6. Unpublished Manuscript.

Sommerville, C.J. 1998. Secular Society Religious Population: Our Tacit Rules for Using the Term Seculariza-

tion. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 37 (2): 249-253.

Stark, Rodney. 1999. Secularization R.I.P. Sociology of Religion. 60 (3): 249-273.

Swatos, William H. Jr. & Kevin J. Christiano. 2000. Secularization Theory: The Course of a Concept. In: Swa-

tos, William H. Jr. & Olson, Daniel V.A. (eds.) The Secularization Debate. Rowman & Littlefield.

Tambiah, Stanley J. 1998. The Crisis of Secularism in India. I Secularism and Its Critics. Redigeret af R. Bhar-

gava. New Delhi: Oxford University Press: 418-453.

Taylor, Charles. 1998. Modes of Secularism. I Secularism and Its Critics. Redigeret af R. Bhargava. New Del-

hi: Oxford University Press: 31-53.

Voyé, Liliane. 2000. Secularization in a Context of Advanced Modernity. In: Swatos, William H. Jr. & Olson,

Daniel V.A. (eds.) The Secularization Debate. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.

Weithman, Paul. J. 1991. The Separation of Church and State: Some Questions for Professor Audi. Philoso-

phy and Public Affairs: 52-65.

——— 2006. Religion and the Obligations of Citizenship. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Wills, Garry. 2004. The Day the Enlightenment Went Out. The New York Times.

(http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/opinion/04wills.html)

Wilson, Bryan R. 1966. Religion in a Secular Society: A Sociological Comment. London: Watts Press.

Wæver, Ole. 2004. Religion, Sikkerhedspolitik og Universitetet. Forelæsning.

E-Resources on Secularization and Secularism (a few examples)

EUROZINE theme on Post-Secular Europe (http://www.eurozine.com/comp/focalpoints/postseceurope.html)


http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/opinion/04wills.html

http://www.eurozine.com/comp/focalpoints/postseceurope.html

Final Syllabus


Mike Huckabee’s stance on Faith and Politics (http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=9) London School of Economics Forum for Secularism – conference (http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/forumForEuropeanPhilosophy/events/forumAnnualLectureSeries&Conference/secularismConference.htm Reflection Group – The Spiritual and Cultural Dimension of Europe (founded by Romano Prodi) (http://www.iwm.at/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=286) Religion in the 21st Century – University of Copenhagen Priority Area (http://www.ku.dk/Priority/Religion/index.asp) The Economist – In God’s Name – Special Report (http://www.economist.com/specialreports/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10015255) The New York Times series – ‘In God’s Name’ (http://www.nytimes.com/ref/business/churchstate.html) The PEW Forum on Religion and Public Life (http://pewforum.org/religion-politics/) The Religion, Politics, and Globalization Program – Berkeley (http://rpgp.berkeley.edu/) The UK National Secular Society (http://www.secularism.org.uk/) The Westboro Baptist Church – God Hates Fags (http://www.godhatesfags.com/index.html)


http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=9

http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/forumForEuropeanPhilosophy/events/forumAnnualLectureSeries&Conference/secularismConference.htm

http://www.iwm.at/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=286

http://www.ku.dk/Priority/Religion/index.asp

http://www.ku.dk/priority/religion/index.asp

http://www.economist.com/specialreports/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10015255

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/business/churchstate.html

http://pewforum.org/religion-politics/

http://rpgp.berkeley.edu/

http://www.secularism.org.uk/

http://www.godhatesfags.com/index.html

Documents

Religion and Politics in Europe - DIS · The fifth module concludes the class with a final case assignment where you are invited to give your assessment of the future of politics