The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Secrecy

Secrecy is essential to all religious traditions, and its importance has been heightened by the rise of invasive national security states and the resistance by many communities to such efforts. The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Secrecy is the definitive reference source for the key topics, problems, and debates in this field, and is divided into five parts: Configurations of Religious Secrecy, Secrecy as Religious Practice, Secrecy and the Politics of the Present, Secrecy and Social Resistance, and Secrecy, Terrorism, and Surveillance. It is essential reading for students and researchers in religious studies, comparative religion, new religious movements, and religion and politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 426 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Secrecy is a fundamental and essential aspect of all religious traditions, extending beyond covert activities like secret initiations or acts of terrorism. It is deeply ingrained in the very essence of religion itself. In the aftermath of events such as 9/11 and other instances of religious violence, we witness the emergence of invasive national security states that specifically target religious minorities, presenting significant challenges to the principles of privacy and religious freedom. At the same time, many communities actively resist these efforts. As a result, issues related to secrecy, privacy, surveillance, and security have become the most central and contentious aspects of religious life in the twenty-first century.

The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Secrecy serves as an indispensable reference resource for exploring the key topics, challenges, and debates within this critical field. This groundbreaking handbook is the first of its kind, comprising twenty-nine chapters authored by a diverse team of international contributors. The Handbook is structured into five parts:

Configurations of Religious Secrecy: Conceptual and Comparative Frameworks
Secrecy as Religious Practice
Secrecy and the Politics of the Present
Secrecy and Social Resistance
Secrecy, Terrorism, and Surveillance.

In this comprehensive volume, secrecy is examined in relation to various categories of religious experiences and individual religious practices, while also exploring the transformations of secrecy in the modern era. Key topics covered include the rise of fraternal orders, ongoing wars on terror, the emergence of far-right white supremacist groups, growing concerns over religious freedom and privacy, the role of the internet in the spread and surveillance of these groups, and the resistance to surveillance.

The Handbook offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of religious secrecy, providing valuable insights for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike. Its interdisciplinary nature allows for a multi-faceted exploration of the subject, drawing upon insights from various fields such as religious studies, politics, sociology, psychology, and more.

By examining secrecy within the broader context of religious traditions, the Handbook sheds light on the diverse ways in which secrecy is employed and interpreted by different religious communities. It highlights the historical, cultural, and social factors that shape the practice of secrecy and its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Routledge Handbook of Religion and Secrecy is a groundbreaking resource that provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the key topics, challenges, and debates in the field of religious secrecy. Its contributions will undoubtedly advance our understanding of this crucial aspect of religious life and its implications for our contemporary world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032228655