Histories of Experience in the World of Lived Religion

This book explores the cultural, political, and social place of religion through the lens of experience, drawing from a range of historical periods and regions. It highlights the pioneering work of Finnish historians in developing a vision of experience in the discipline of history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 305 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

At a pivotal juncture in history, when religion manifests its profound social and political influence across diverse post-modern societies worldwide, this captivating compilation of studies spanning from the Middle Ages to twentieth-century Europe showcases the immense richness and groundbreaking potential of delving into individual and collective experiences when examining the cultural, political, and social significance of religion within society. Moreover, it introduces English readers to the pioneering work of a group of Finnish historians who have collaboratively crafted a groundbreaking vision of the concept of experience within the field of history.

This open access book serves as a theoretical primer on the history of experience, encompassing three interconnected conceptual realms: everyday experience, experience as a process, and experience as structure. Within its pages, chapters apply the concept of experience to empirical case studies, exploring how individuals have crafted and shared their religious beliefs through the lens of historical experience.

This book understands experience as a multifaceted and deeply personal phenomenon that intertwines individuals with communities, linking them to the past and shaping the trajectory of the future. It recognizes experience as a socially constructed construct, yet one that resonates intimately with the individual's subjective experiences. By acknowledging this duality, the book establishes a bridge between a nascent field of the history of experience and an established tradition of the history of lived religion.

The chapters in this book offer a sweeping longitudinal perspective, spanning from the fourteenth-century heretics to the religious artistry of soldiers on the frontlines during World War II. While the focus primarily lies in Northern Europe, it incorporates materials from Italy, France, and the United Kingdom to provide a comprehensive and diverse examination of the topic.

Through its exploration of the history of experience, this book sheds light on the complex interplay between religion, society, and the individual. It highlights the ways in which religious beliefs and practices have been shaped by personal experiences, as well as how individuals have contributed to the broader cultural and social landscape through their religious experiences. It also underscores the enduring significance of religion in shaping individuals and communities, despite the changing tides of history.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted history of experience and its profound impact on religious beliefs, practices, and society. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding the complex relationship between experience, religion, and society, and offers a wealth of empirical case studies to illustrate the rich tapestry of human religious experiences across time and space.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030921422
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022