In: Orient: deutsche Zeitschrift für Politik, Wirtschaft und Kultur des Orients = German journal for politics, economics and culture of the Middle East, Band 39, S. 235-249
Describes the religious revivalism seen among Greek Orthodox Christians in the Middle East over the past decade as a spiritual renaissance which does not prevent the clear expression of their preference for secularism in politics and government. Summary in English p. 355.
Religion as it pertains to politics is not only discussed in the western world. Under the concept of "Secularism" the living together of many religious groups in Southeast Asia has been debated in India for a long time. Last summer, this debate was featured in Outlook India thereby addressing the broad public. This article documents the contributions of three leading Indian scholars that do not avoid candid opinions. E. Sanchez
In: Orient: deutsche Zeitschrift für Politik, Wirtschaft und Kultur des Orients = German journal for politics, economics and culture of the Middle East, Band 42, Heft 1, S. 119-138
Christian democratic (CD) parties, however defined, are often seen as undergoing a crisis of identity & support. This article finds evidence both of ideological shifts & electoral loss, albeit variable across different countries. The reasons for loss of support are varied, going beyond simplistic explanations such as the inevitable triumph of secularism. CD parties have countered unfavorable trends by a pragmatic ideological shift toward market liberalism & a strategic rapprochement with the "secular conservatives" of the moderate Right. This is particularly evident at the transnational level in the European Peoples Party (EPP), which has embarked on a major campaign of incorporation, both within the EU & in CEE, in anticipation of future enlargements. This strategy seems promising at the EU level, despite engendering tension between older & newer EPP adherents. Meanwhile, in individual states, CD parties mostly still enjoy good competitive positions. One may ask however if this electoral lease of life has been purchased at the expense of dissolution of the movement's fundamental identity. 81 References. Adapted from the source document.