Religions and Crises of Democracy and War

The return of religion to the public life of many contemporary societies and the role it plays in civic society make it an important actor in times of crisis. Religion plays an explicit or implicit role within the increasing authoritarian tendencies, crises of democracy, and geopolitical conflicts that have turned into wars. Spiritual counselors praying for political leaders, church leaders blessing troops leaving for the battlefield, or religious leaders forming alliances against the human rights of vulnerable social groups are just a few examples to start the discussion. According to Peter Beyer, once seen as a factor in societal unity, religion becomes the site of difference, contestation, and, not infrequently, conflict. How do these functions of religion change, and how do they manifest in times of crisis? This session invites papers that reflect religions' responses to the crises of democracy and war and seek to explain these responses by drawing on sociological knowledge.