Contemporary Christian-Cultural Values: Migration Encounters in the Nordic Region

This book explores the relationship between religion and migration, focusing on the Christian context in the Nordic region. It demonstrates that religion is not an empty signifier but gains substance through practice and interpretation. It will appeal to social scientists and scholars of religion with interests in migration, refugee studies, theology, and Christian practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate relationship between religion and migration, employing post-colonial insights to shed light on the multifaceted contributions of religion to migrant encounters. By examining the resources and motivations behind hospitality as experienced within Christian contexts in the Nordic region, it addresses the evolving discourse surrounding religion in public discussions, which has often become a hollow and meaningless symbol in debates surrounding migration. This multidisciplinary volume showcases that religion is far from a mere abstraction, but rather gains substance through practical application and interpretation. By exploring the untapped potential of religion and the ways in which the unseen religious perspective manifests itself in secular practices, this volume appeals to social scientists, scholars of religion, and individuals with interests in migration, refugee studies, theology, and Christian practice.

Introduction:
The relationship between religion and migration has been a subject of intense study in recent years, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and diverse. While religion has long been a significant factor in shaping migration patterns, its role in the contemporary context is more complex and multifaceted than ever before. This book aims to reconstruct the connection between religion and migration, drawing on post-colonial perspectives to shed light on what religion can contribute to migrant encounters.

Post-Colonial Perspectives:
Post-colonialism is a critical lens through which to examine the relationship between religion and migration. Post-colonialism recognizes the power dynamics that exist between dominant and marginalized groups, and how these dynamics shape the experiences of migrants. By examining the ways in which religion has been used to justify colonialism, imperialism, and other forms of oppression, post-colonialism can help us understand how religion can also be used to promote social justice and equality for migrants.

Resources and Motivations for Hospitality:
One of the key themes of this book is the resources and motivations behind hospitality as experienced within Christian contexts in the Nordic region. The Nordic region is known for its strong commitment to social welfare and human rights, and religion plays a significant role in shaping these values. Christian communities in the Nordic region often provide resources and support to migrants, including housing, food, and medical care.

However, the motivations behind hospitality are not always straightforward. While some Christian communities may offer hospitality out of a sense of religious duty, others may be motivated by a desire to promote social integration and diversity. The book explores the complex interplay between these motivations and the broader social and political context in which they are situated.

Content of Talk about Religion in Public Discourse:
Another important theme of this book is the content of talk about religion in public discourse. While religion has long been a topic of debate in public forums, the discourse surrounding migration has often been dominated by secular perspectives. The book examines the ways in which religion is represented in public discourse, and how this representation shapes the way in which people think about religion and migration.

The book argues that the concept of religion has become something of an empty signifier in debates surrounding migration. While religion may play a significant role in the lives of migrants, it is often reduced to a mere cultural or social phenomenon rather than a deeply meaningful and spiritual practice. The book challenges this notion and suggests that religion can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice and equality for migrants.

Multidisciplinary Approach:
This book is multidisciplinary in approach, drawing on insights from a range of fields including sociology, anthropology, theology, and political science. The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between religion and migration, and to explore the ways in which religion can contribute to social change and transformation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book reconstructs the connection between religion and migration, drawing on post-colonial perspectives to shed light on what religion can contribute to migrant encounters. By examining the resources and motivations behind hospitality as experienced within Christian contexts in the Nordic region, the book challenges the notion that religion is an empty signifier in debates surrounding migration. The book also explores the content of talk about religion in public discourse, and suggests that religion can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice and equality for migrants. This multidisciplinary volume will appeal to social scientists and scholars of religion with interests in migration, refugee studies, theology, and Christian practice.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367495664