Is the question of God still relevant for our time? Empirical studies from an international perspective show the fact that there are both indications of God's importance and disappearance. The articles in this book deal with questions related to the content, structure and function of images of God. The studies document the actual variety and forms of religious practice and highlight the issues of God present - out of necessity from an ecumenical and interdisciplinary point of view. If and how the question of God is asked is not only of denominational interest, but is also of a cultural importance for the individual and public life in Europe. The empirical studies in this collection were discussed at the "Wurzburg Research Days - Practical Theology" in December 2000.
This book draws upon empirical data collected from 10,000 adolescent young people in 10 European countries. The first volume of this project was about young people's life perspectives and the second about their religious attitudes and practices. The current and final volume of this cross-cultural study connects both research dimensions. The analyses make clear that the influence of religion on values, life-orientation and politics differs strongly between different groups within Christianity and between Christians, Jews and Muslims. Many findings contain obvious surprises because they refute mainstream opinion on many topics. The book gives detailed and new insights in the public relevance of the religiosity of young people across Europe. All three volumes together are indispensable for scholars who work in public, religious and educational contexts.
In the western world, there has been a change in religion. Some researchers speak of a general secularization in the sense of a decline of religion in general. Other researchers claim that religion, represented by the dominant churches in particular, are losing importance. Still others are discovering that religious vitality is an inherent dimension of modernity. The analytical profit might be the greatest if empirical researchers succeed in achieving some sort of balance between functional and substantial dimensions of religion. This is the goal of the authors of this volume. It is in this balance that the task of practical theology rests: to reflect on the tension between traditional Christian religion and actual religious practice and to open up perspectives for action in the pastoral practice and teaching. Hans-Georg Ziebertz, series editor, is professor of practical theology/pedagogics of religion at the University of Wrzburg, Germany.
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