Description
Book SynopsisReligious pluralism is increasing due to progressively more culturally interactive societies and an escalating exchange of migrants. Nevertheless, as this book shows, the situation in Italy is characterized by several distinct features. Statistically, the level of religiosity is noticeably higher than in other European countries, and the majority of the population declares itself Catholic. Within the Catholic world, however, there are distinct differences in the ways and forms of believing, ranging from the convinced and active faithful to the occasional believer, or the development of new forms of Catholic. Catholic sentiment endures although many believers may not agree with the ethical indications of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Furthermore, the Church and Catholic groups have reinforced their presence in the public sphere by participating in various campaigns to reassert Christian values on fundamental issues for civil harmony, from the family to bioethics, the limitations of scie
Trade ReviewFranco Garelli's book makes a powerful statement about the new public role played by religions in the twenty-first century. Challenging the conventional separation between religion and politics, it shows how religion can continue to inspire common values - in the midst of diversity - and personal identity in uncertain times. Its analysis of the new public importance of Catholicism in Italy in an age of growing pluralism is both scholarly and humane. This is a wide-ranging book that will command the attention of social scientists and religious thinkers alike. -- James A. Beckford, University of Warwick
Table of Contents1 Table of Contents Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 1. Public Ethos and Religion Chapter 4 2. Religious Sentiment in Italy Chapter 5 3. Challenges for the Catholic World Chapter 6 4. The World Youth Days Chapter 7 5. Youth, Religion, and Sexuality Chapter 8 6. Crowded Squares and Empty Churches? Chapter 9 7. The Public Importance of Italian Catholicism Chapter 10 8. Religious Pluralism in Italy
