Workshop - The Echo of Ancestors: The Reemergence and Claims of 'Ancient' Religions in Europe
Interdisciplinary Workshop on the Reconstruction of Ancient Religions in Contemporary Europe, 2025
I am pleased to announce that on April 3-4, 2025, we will be hosting the interdisciplinary workshop "The Echo of Ancestors: The Reemergence and Claims of 'Ancient' Religions in Europe" at the University of Strasbourg.
As emerging religious trends gain recognition, the political and legal processes involved in their acknowledgment are becoming critical. This workshop aims to analyze these dynamics within the context of contemporary European societal structures, focusing on how religious revival is shaped, disseminated, and recognized. We will also examine the political and social challenges that these phenomena raise.
In particular, we are interested in examining belief systems beyond monotheistic traditions, such as polytheism, paganism, and animist traditions, and their role in current debates around identity, culture, and nationhood. This workshop will provide a platform for European researchers to engage in a cross-disciplinary reflection on the implications of these religious movements.
Over the course of two days, our invited specialists will explore topics such as:
✅ Institutional recognition of ancient religions
✅ The intersection of neo-paganism and contemporary social issues
✅ The political and legal dimensions of religious revival
With distinguished scholars and dynamic discussions, this workshop will offer a comprehensive and comparative perspective on the political, legal, and social implications of these movements.
📅 Date: April 3-4, 2025
📍 Venue: MISHA, Salle Europe, University of Strasbourg
💻 Hybrid Format: Available both in-person and online
🔗 Register here:
👉 In-person: https://evento.renater.fr/survey/in-person-participat...-p4yqjf15
👉 Online: https://evento.renater.fr/survey/online-participation...-l6lpfwwl
This workshop is organized with the support of ITI MAKErS and Droit, Religion, Entreprise et Société (UMR 7354 DRES) Research Unit, whose contributions are greatly appreciated.
We look forward to welcoming scholars, students, and anyone interested in the evolving religious landscape in Europe.
📧 For further inquiries, please contact:
Kerem Görkem Arslan: kg.arslan@unistra.fr
Samim Akgönül: akgonul@unistra.fr
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