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This book explores the concept of diffused religion as it is found in contemporary society, resulting from a vast process of religious socialisation that continues to pervade our cultural reality. It provides a critical engagement with a framework of non-institutional religion that is based on values largely shared in society by being diffused through primary and secondary socialisation. Cipriani also contends that these very values which give form to diffused religion can also be seen in themselves as their own kind of religion. As a result, they go beyond secularisation and favour the religious continuum extending around the world of diffused religions.
This work will be of great interest to scholars in the Sociology of Religion and to anyone wanting to learn more about the social aspects of religion.
List of contents
Preface; José Casanova.- Part 1: Basics of Diffused Religion.- 1. The Theory of Diffused Religion.- 2. Socialization and Diffused Religion.- 3. Values and Global Society.- 4. Diffused Secular Religiosity.- 5. World Diffused Religions.- Part 2: Diffused Religion In Practice.- 6. Religion and Politics: A Peculiar Case.- 7. Religion and Values.- 8. Diffused Values.- 9. From Invisible Religion To Diffused Religion.- 10. Conclusions.- 11. Afterword.
About the author
Roberto Cipriani
is Senior and Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Rome 3, and National President of the Italian Association of University Teachers.
Summary
This book explores the concept of diffused religion as it is found in contemporary society, resulting from a vast process of religious socialisation that continues to pervade our cultural reality. It provides a critical engagement with a framework of non-institutional religion that is based on values largely shared in society by being diffused through primary and secondary socialisation. Cipriani also contends that these very values which give form to diffused religion can also be seen in themselves as their own kind of religion. As a result, they go beyond secularisation and favour the religious continuum extending around the world of diffused religions.
This work will be of great interest to scholars in the Sociology of Religion and to anyone wanting to learn more about the social aspects of religion.
Additional text
“Diffused Religion: Beyond Secularization is a highly original and invaluable book for the sociology of religion and for sociology in general. … It is well-nigh impossible to do justice to the rich content of this book in a short review. Its scholarship and theoretical importance and scientific quality are outstanding. … Perhaps it is no exaggeration to say that the book may prove a landmark in the sociology of religion.” (Nikos Kokosalakis, Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol. 33 (3), 2018)
Report
"Diffused Religion: Beyond Secularization is a highly original and invaluable book for the sociology of religion and for sociology in general. ... It is well-nigh impossible to do justice to the rich content of this book in a short review. Its scholarship and theoretical importance and scientific quality are outstanding. ... Perhaps it is no exaggeration to say that the book may prove a landmark in the sociology of religion." (Nikos Kokosalakis, Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol. 33 (3), 2018)
