Religion and European Society: The Factors to Take Into Account

There are eight different factors, which – taken together – contribute to a better understanding of the place of religion in modern Europe. The eight factors are: role of the historic churches; change in the religious constituencies; new arrival into Europe; reactions of Europe's secular elites; privatization of social services; influence of neoliberalism; Europe as an exceptional case in global terms; and impact of the 'Global War on Terror' discourse in Europe. Discourse in Europe creates a complex entanglement of religion, violence, and immigration, rendering religion and secularism increasingly salient categories in both politics and society. Churches, even when no longer used for worship, retain value as objects of 'cultural heritage' and significant efforts and funds are put into protecting and restoring these buildings in both Europe as a whole, and its constituent nations. One of the most striking features of religious life in Europe remains the mismatch between different measurements of religiousness.