Instruments of Devotion (Paperback)

Henning Laugerud

ISBN 10: 8779342000 / ISBN 13: 9788779342002

Published by Aarhus University Press, Aarhus, 2008

About this Item

Paperback. Belief and religion are returning as focal concerns in modern philosophical debate. Interestingly, this 'religious turn' is most clearly seen in so-called post-modern or post-structuralist thinking. Today we are witnessing the dissolution of philosophical theories such as positivist scientism and Marxism, which thought they had definitively liquidated religion. After modernity, there are no more strong philosophical reasons either to be an atheist refusing religion or to be a theist refuting science. The above, or similar, attitudes form a common point of departure for all the contributors to this anthology, and are the reason why we all feel that the studies of matters concerning religion in all aspects of life are of importance. Today's situation in Europe illustrates the need for historical knowledge and perspective on culture and religion, particularly Christianity and all its denominational varieties. Christianity's influence on and in European culture cannot be overestimated, particularly understood as a dynamic and multifaceted force. The European Network on the Instruments of Devotion (ENID), is an international research network coordinated from the University of Bergen, Norway. Belief and religion are returning as focal concerns in modern philosophical debate. The above, or similar, attitudes form a common point of departure for all the contributors to this anthology, and are the reason why we all feel that the studies of matters concerning religion in all aspects of life are of importance. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9788779342002

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Instruments of Devotion (Paperback)
• Publisher: Aarhus University Press, Aarhus
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8779342000
• ISBN 13: 9788779342002
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Secularization of Western Culture is, if not a myth, then grossly overrated. A current interest in belief and religion has recognized Christianity's influence on European history, philosophy and material culture. Christian heritage has therefore become a topical subject in comtemporary religious debate. Instruments of Devotion presents the work of ENID, The European Network on the Instruments of Devotion in 11 articles focusing specifically on the instrumental aspects of Christian piety and devotional practices from the 14th century to today. The articles deal with the interrelationship between material culture and religious life; how music, prayer books, poetry and images have intensified and expressed devotion and piety in Christian Culture. With a broad collection of topics ranging from medieval visual theories to post-modern perspectives of Catholicism, Instruments of Devotion is a multifaceted and interdisciplinary work. It illustrates changes, continuities and connections in the devotional history of Europe.

About the Author

Henning Laugerud PhD (art) is Senior lecturer at the Department of Cultural Studies and Oriental Languages, Faculty of Humanities, University of Oslo, Norway. Laura Katrine Skinnebach has an MA in History and Communication from Roskilde University Centre in Denmark. She is currently a research-fellow at the University of Bergen, Bergen Museum, Norway.