This open access book analyses the international data of the European Values Study (EVS 1990 - 2017), with a focus on the impact of religious on political values from empirical as well as theoretical perspectives, i.e. sociology, political and cultural studies, philosophy, ethics, theology and the law. It interprets results from interdisciplinary perspectives, including the viewpoints of social ethics, sociology and cultural studies, law and practical theology. In the political and public as well as media debates of the European Union, the recourse to (above all "European" and also "Christian") values has played a central and controversial role in the field of politics and religion for several decades. This collection is a contribution to a qualified discourse on values in Europe by providing empirical, hermeneutical and ethical criteria for a responsible use of the concept of values. In addition to a comparison of political value systems in Western and Eastern Europe and the possible role of religion in this context, the book also deals with topics such as, f.i., solidarity, economics and values, value formation, and law and values. Additionally, specific population groups such as the socio-culturally marginalized strata are examined more closely. Besides current scientific analyses and interpretations of interest to researchers from various disciplines, this book also offers valuable impulses and suggestions for various multipliers in political, civil society and religious organisations, as well as a sound overview for graduate students.

The first book to cover the nexus of values, politics and religion on a European level

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Part I: Basic Research.- Chapter 2. Values: A Contested Concept. Problem Outline and Interdisciplinary Approaches.- Chapter 3. A Critical History of the Use of 'European Values'.- Chapter 4. Transformations in the Religious and Moral Landscape in Europe?.- Part II: In-Depth Analysis.- Chapter 5. Political Values and Religion: A Comparison Between Western and Eastern Europe.- Chapter 6. Religion, Values and Politics: The Effect of Religiosity on Attitudes towards Immigrants and Muslims.- Chapter 7. Solidarity: A European Value?.- Chapter 8. The Invisibles: Religious and Political Values Among Different Social Classes.- Part III : Interdisciplinary Perspectives.- Chapter 9. Ethical and Theological Approaches to the Value Discourses in Europe.- Chapter 10. Values and Economy: How Companies Deal With Values.- Chapter 11. Values and Laws.- Part IV: Future Prospects.- Chapter 12. Perceptions of Social Challenges in Europe. Disentangling the Effects of Context, Social Structure, Religion, Values and Political Attitudes to Identify Potential Drivers of Societal Change.- Chapter 13. Values Education, Politics and Religion.- Chapter 14. Conclusions, Consequences, Challenges.