The history of religions and francophone research in Europe. Main disciplinary trends in Switzerland, France, Belgium and Luxemburg

This article provides an overview (as of September, 2008) of the state of the field of l’histoire des religions in the four french-speaking countries of Europe. It discusses the pioneers, along with their followers and influence, the position of principle institutions regarding teaching in the field...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Religion (London. 1971) 2010-10, Vol.40 (4), p.259-270
Main Author: Boespflug, François
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Belgium
Comparative analysis
Comparison
Confessionalism
Culture
France
Francophone universities
General subjects. History of religions. Religious anthropology
History
History and sciences of religions
History of religion
History of religions
Laity
Luxembourg
Politics
Popularisation
Religion
Religious studies
Secularism
Social structure
Studies in religion
Switzerland
Universities
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Summary:This article provides an overview (as of September, 2008) of the state of the field of l’histoire des religions in the four french-speaking countries of Europe. It discusses the pioneers, along with their followers and influence, the position of principle institutions regarding teaching in the field, and the general orientations of each university, along with distinct emphases that reflect recent socio-political and cultural developments. This detailed panorama brings to light the relative weakness of french-speaking research in the field of l’histoire générale des religions. It calls attention to tensions between the former high status of this academic area, more than half of a century ago, and the disrepute into which its comparativist project has fallen over the last decades. It asks how French secularism – and the growing secularization of western societies more generally – may have influenced perceptions of the discipline, its orientations, and its position in today's academic market academic market. It also considers the impact of declining comprehension of religious phenomena among younger generations and correlated concerns with popularisation.
ISSN:0048-721X
1096-1151
DOI:10.1016/j.religion.2010.07.003