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Religion as heritage, religion as belief: Shifting frontiers of secularism in Europe, the USA and Brazil


Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Lehmann, David 

Abstract

jats:p This article draws a distinction between religion as heritage and as belief, and also shows the complications which arise in predominantly Christian countries when ‘new arrivals’ and evangelical, Pentecostal, or conversion-led, movements claim the recognition which has historically been afforded to hegemonic churches. Using evidence from Europe, the USA and Brazil it reveals the uncertain implementation of the state–religion boundary in the law, in taxation and in politics, and shows how even the most secular states allow religious institutions special exemptions, albeit in different ways. It asks whether religion is not producing demands amounting to a separate citizenship and why religious expression should require privileged treatment additional to freedom of speech in a secular world where religious affiliation is regarded as a matter of personal choice. It also questions the assumption of market theories of religion that more and more intense religion is good for religion and good for society. </jats:p>

Description

Keywords

Brazil, Europe, Evangelicals, neo-Pentecostalism, Religious Regulation, Secularism, USA

Journal Title

International Sociology

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0268-5809
1461-7242

Volume Title

28

Publisher

SAGE Publications
Sponsorship
Economic and Social Research Council (RES-074-27-0002)
This work was supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council [grant number AH/F007566/1].