A Cultural History of the Soul

A Cultural History of the Soul
Author: Kocku von Stuckrad
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Total Pages: 203
Release: 2022-02-15
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0231553579

The soul, which dominated many intellectual debates at the beginning of the twentieth century, has virtually disappeared from the sciences and the humanities. Yet it is everywhere in popular culture—from holistic therapies and new spiritual practices to literature and film to ecological and political ideologies. Ignored by scholars, it is hiding in plain sight in a plethora of religious, psychological, environmental, and scientific movements. This book uncovers the history of the concept of the soul in twentieth-century Europe and North America. Beginning in fin de siècle Germany, Kocku von Stuckrad examines a fascination spanning philosophy, the sciences, the arts, and the study of religion, as well as occultism and spiritualism, against the backdrop of the emergence of experimental psychology. He then explores how and why the United States witnessed a flowering of ideas about the soul in popular culture and spirituality in the latter half of the century. Von Stuckrad examines an astonishingly wide range of figures and movements—ranging from Ernest Renan, Martin Buber, and Carl Gustav Jung to the Esalen Institute, deep ecology, and revivals of shamanism, animism, and paganism to Rachel Carson, Ursula K. Le Guin, and the Harry Potter franchise. Revealing how the soul remains central to a culture that is only seemingly secular, this book casts new light on the place of spirituality, religion, and metaphysics in Europe and North America today.

Prostestant Traditions and the Soul of Europe

Prostestant Traditions and the Soul of Europe
Author: Gijsbert van den Brink
Publisher: Evangelische Verlagsanstalt
Total Pages: 297
Release: 2017-12-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 3374048552

What binds contemporary Europeans together in terms of cultural values that go beyond a common interest in economic growth? In a time of resurging nationalist movements all over Europe, the need for what former President of the European Commission Jacques Delors called a "soul for Europe" has become more urgent than ever. In this volume, Delors's 25 years old appeal to the churches is taken seriously. In particular, contributions to a common sense of belonging that have been made by the traditions of European Protestantism are carefully investigated. In nineteen case studies, topics and areas as varied as theological identity, religious tolerance, political philosophy, ethics, the arts, the scientific mentality, and the economy are covered. It appears that despite the rise of religious pluralism throughout Europe, aspects of the Protestant ethos continue to be key to societal cohesion in many places. Mit Beiträgen von Ibolya Balla, Henk van den Belt, Jasper Bosman, Gijsbert van den Brink, Ad de Bruijne, Gerard den Hertog, Zsolt Görözdi, Theo L. Hettema, Hans-Martin Kirn, Jenö Kiss, Leo Koffeman, Henri A. Krop, Yelena Mazour-Matusevich, Olga Navrátilová, Henk P. de Roest, Herman Speelman, Willem van Vlastuin, Pieter Vos und Heleen Zorgdrager. [Protestantische Traditionen und die Seele Europas] Welche gemeinsamen Werte verbinden uns im heutigen Europa über ökonomische Interessen hinaus? Vor dem Hintergrund der heute vielerorts in Europa aufflammenden nationalistischen Bestrebungen ist der Bedarf nach einer "Seele für Europa", wie der frühere Vorsitzende der Europäischen Kommission Jaques Delors es nannte, drängender denn je. In diesem Band wird Delors' vor einem Vierteljahrhundert geäußerten Appell an die Kirchen darum ernst genommen. Besonders Beiträge zum gemeinsamen Bewusstsein der Zusammengehörigkeit in der protestantischen Tradition werden sorgfältig untersucht und geprüft. In neunzehn Fallstudien werden Themen und Bereiche wie theologische Identität, religiöse Toleranz, politische Philosophie, Ethik, Kunst, wissenschaftliche Haltung und Ökonomie in den Blick genommen. Es zeigt sich, dass trotz des Anwachsens eines religiösen Pluralismus überall in Europa, Aspekte des protestantischen Ethos wesentlich zur gesellschaftlichen Kohäsion beitragen.

The Changing Soul of Europe

The Changing Soul of Europe
Author: Helena Vilaça
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 280
Release: 2016-03-23
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1317038835

This book paves the way for a more enlarged discussion on religion and migration phenomena in countries of Northern and Southern Europe. From a comparative perspective, these are regions with very different religious traditions and different historical State/Church relations. Although official religion persisted longer in Nordic Protestant countries than in South Mediterranean countries, levels of secularization are higher. In the last decades, both Northern and Southern Europe have received strong flows of newcomers. From this perspective, the book presents through various theoretical lenses and empirical researches the impact mobility and consequent religious transnationalism have on multiple aspects of culture and social life in societies where the religious landscapes are increasingly diverse. The chapters demonstrate that we are dealing with complex scenarios: different contexts of reception, different countries of origin, various ethnicities and religious traditions (Catholics, Orthodox and Evangelical Christians, Muslims, Buddhists). Having become plural spaces, our societies tend to be far more concerned with the issue of social integration rather than with that of social identities reconstruction in society as a whole, often ignoring that today religion manifests itself as a plurality of religions. In short, what are the implications of newcomers for the religious life of Europe and for the redesign of its soul?

God's Marshall Plan

God's Marshall Plan
Author: James D. Strasburg
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 325
Release: 2021
Genre: History
ISBN: 0197516440

Spiritual conquest -- World chaos -- The lonely flame -- For Christ and country -- Reviving the heartland -- Battleground Europe -- God's Marshall plan -- Spiritual rearmament.

Heart of Europe

Heart of Europe
Author: Peter H. Wilson
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 1025
Release: 2016-04-04
Genre: History
ISBN: 0674058097

An Economist and Sunday Times Best Book of the Year “Deserves to be hailed as a magnum opus.” —Tom Holland, The Telegraph “Ambitious...seeks to rehabilitate the Holy Roman Empire’s reputation by re-examining its place within the larger sweep of European history...Succeeds splendidly in rescuing the empire from its critics.” —Wall Street Journal Massive, ancient, and powerful, the Holy Roman Empire formed the heart of Europe from its founding by Charlemagne to its destruction by Napoleon a millennium later. An engine for inventions and ideas, with no fixed capital and no common language or culture, it derived its legitimacy from the ideal of a unified Christian civilization—though this did not prevent emperors from clashing with the pope for supremacy. In this strikingly ambitious book, Peter H. Wilson explains how the Holy Roman Empire worked, why it was so important, and how it changed over the course of its existence. The result is a tour de force that raises countless questions about the nature of political and military power and the legacy of its offspring, from Nazi Germany to the European Union. “Engrossing...Wilson is to be congratulated on writing the only English-language work that deals with the empire from start to finish...A book that is relevant to our own times.” —Brendan Simms, The Times “The culmination of a lifetime of research and thought...an astonishing scholarly achievement.” —The Spectator “Remarkable...Wilson has set himself a staggering task, but it is one at which he succeeds heroically.” —Times Literary Supplement

A Soul for Europe: A reader

A Soul for Europe: A reader
Author: Furio Cerutti
Publisher: Peeters Publishers
Total Pages: 242
Release: 2001
Genre: Civilization
ISBN: 9789042909953

After moving for ten plus years towards an ever closer union, the European Union and its citizens now face the choice whether to establish a full-fledged common polity. This decision requires a Europe-wide debate that includes the candidate states. European citizens must discuss what (if any) common values, principles and basic policies they share. A European identity involves the Union's institutions becoming rooted in the "soul" of the citizens, whatever its relationship might be to the existing national and local identities. Only then will the EU possess democratic legitimacy and support. These two volumes are written by authors with a political and intellectual interest in the European process. They discuss the EU's unprecedented character as a peacefull and voluntary union of peoples, its understandable obstacles encountered along the way to further integration, and the Union's less acceptable shortcomings. The first volume is written for the general reader. It examines the essential components of a European political identity in relation to democracy, citizenship, social justice, war and peace, freedom and borders. It also explores the history of this identity. The second volume is a collection of scientific essays. These provide in-depth analysis of fundamental aspects of European cultural identity such as religion, art and economic culture, myth and civil society. The two volumes can be read independently. However, we hope readers of either one will feel stimulated to reach for the other.

Europe

Europe
Author: Brendan Simms
Publisher: Basic Books
Total Pages: 722
Release: 2013-04-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 0465065953

With "verve and panache," this magisterial history of Europe since 1453 shows how struggles over the heart of the continent have shaped the world we live in today (The Economist). Whoever controls the core of Europe controls the entire continent, and whoever controls Europe can dominate the world. Over the past five centuries, a rotating cast of kings, conquerors, presidents, and dictators have set their sights on the European heartland, desperate to seize this pivotal area or at least prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. From Charles V and Napoleon to Bismarck and Cromwell, from Hitler and Stalin to Roosevelt and Gorbachev, nearly all the key power players of modern history have staked their titanic visions on this vital swath of land. In Europe, prizewinning historian Brendan Simms presents an authoritative account of the past half-millennium of European history, demonstrating how the battle for mastery of the continent's center has shaped the modern world. A bold and compelling work by a renowned scholar, Europe integrates religion, politics, military strategy, and international relations to show how history -- and Western civilization itself -- was forged in the crucible of Europe.

Saving Europe

Saving Europe
Author: Henry Vyner-Brooks
Publisher:
Total Pages: 656
Release: 2021-01-25
Genre:
ISBN: 9780956942746

SAVING EUROPE ​is a SPLIT BIOGRAPHY OF TWO UNSUNG HEROES IN TWO DARK AGES​. ​At either end of European history, the decisive leadership showed by (6th-century Irish monk) Columbanus, and (20th-century French statesman) Robert Schuman, helped tip the balance against the forces of cultural anarchy in their day. The author travels to 12 countries in search of their lives and legacies - which serve as both inspiration and warning.​ ​ This book also explores the​ ARRIVAL, SURVIVAL, VICTORY & ATROPHY OF EUROPEAN CIVILISATION​. ​From Abraham to Athens; Byzantium to Brussels, this book explores the triumphs and tragedies of a unique civilization. It highlights the impact of Christianity on Europe's cultural formation and the Christian leadership which spurred movements for political integration.​ ​ This book delivers a​ STARK ANALYSIS & TIMELY CHALLENGE TO MODERN EUROPEANS​. ​Reissuing the warning of the war-time leaders and Christian intellectuals, this book challenges both religious and secular readers to rediscover the missing soul of Europe, before it is too late.​ ​

Europe

Europe
Author: Jürgen Habermas
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 157
Release: 2014-11-05
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0745694675

The future of Europe and the role it will play in the 21st century are among the most important political questions of our time. The optimism of a decade ago has now faded but the stakes are higher than ever. The way these questions are answered will have enormous implications not only for all Europeans but also for the citizens of Europe’s closest and oldest ally – the USA. In this new book, one of Europe's leading intellectuals examines the political alternatives facing Europe today and outlines a course of action for the future. Habermas advocates a policy of gradual integration of Europe in which key decisions about Europe's future are put in the hands of its peoples, and a 'bipolar commonality' of the West in which a more unified Europe is able to work closely with the United States to build a more stable and equitable international order. This book includes Habermas's portraits of three long-time philosophical companions, Richard Rorty, Jacques Derrida and Ronald Dworkin. It also includes several important new texts by Habermas on the impact of the media on the public sphere, on the enduring importance religion in "post-secular" societies, and on the design of a democratic constitutional order for the emergent world society.

A Concise History of Modern Europe

A Concise History of Modern Europe
Author: David S. Mason
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2011-01-16
Genre: History
ISBN: 1442205350

Highlighting the most important events, ideas, and individuals that shaped modern Europe, A Concise History of Modern Europe provides a readable, succinct history of the continent from the Enlightenment and the French Revolution to the present day. Avoiding a detailed, lengthy chronology, the book focuses on key events and ideas to explore the causes and consequences of revolutions—be they political, economic, or scientific; the origins and development of human rights and democracy; and issues of European identity. Any reader needing a broad overview of the sweep of European history since 1789 will find this book, published in a first edition under the title Revolutionary Europe, an engaging and cohesive narrative.