Post-Secularism: Society, Politics, Theology

Dear Colleagues,

The term "post-secular" is frequently encountered in the social sciences and the theological literature alongside the dialogical relevance it has within the public discourse. Given the inability of various scholarly authorities to reach consensus on a unified definition of the term secularisation in recent decades, it is not plausible that the term post-secularism will emerge as a concept that can serve as a reliable point of reference for the interpretation of a myriad of contemporary social and religious phenomena.

This Special Issue is dedicated to the exploration of this very diversity, and we warmly welcome theoretical studies and case studies that elucidate the authors' positions on the concept of post-secularism and its nuances, as well as studies that shed light on the theoretical connections and contemporary social and religious experiences that lend support to or refute the relevance of the term.

In a manner analogous to the emergence of the concept of secularisation within the socio-cultural context of the North Atlantic region, and subsequently adopted in other regions across the world, the category of post-secularism also transcends the limits of particular cultural spheres and has the potential to be relevant in cultural milieus worldwide. We particularly welcome studies by the authors who analyse and interpret processes and phenomena outside the Western cultural sphere.

According to one of the most widespread understanding of the term post-secularism, religion is returning to the public sphere in parallel to the decline of personal religiosity in the private sphere. Although a preliminary perception of the systems of public religion suggest an affiliation with religious symbolism or political references, a more thorough investigation reveals that these references are possible also without being connected to particular religious traditions. Those who hold a positive or negative attitude towards systems of public religious symbols may not necessarily be responding to the religious aspects themselves, but rather to the cultural and political interests that underpin them. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome, and research areas may include (but are not limited to) the analysis of public religion, the sociology of religion, and studies on pluralism and contemporary religiosities.

Contributions from various sub-disciplines of social and religious studies or theology are welcomed, with a particular preference for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. The editors of the Special Issue represent two generations, reflecting their aspiration that junior researchers will submit their work alongside senior researchers. It is imperative that a rigorous review process is maintained.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200-300 words summarising their intended contribution. Please send this to the Guest Editors, Prof. Dr. András Máté-Tóth, at matetoth@rel.u-szeged.hu, and Dr. Vellankal at georgevnkl@gmail.com, and cc the Assistant Editor of Religions, Clare Chai, at clare.chai@mdpi.com. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. András Máté-Tóth
Dr. George Joseph Vellankal
Guest Editors

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• post-secularism
• pluralism
• public religion
• secularisation
• public sphere and private sphere
• sociology of religion