Hoeber - Religion, States and Transnational Civil Society

Question 1

What work did Susanne Hoeber publish?

Answer 1

Religion, states and transnational civil society

Question 2

According to Hoeber, what is religion is relation to the nation-state?

Answer 2

• secularist and modernist interpretations: failed
• religion doesn’t replace the nation-state
• religion provides:
  
  • > pluralistic transnational polity which shapes perceptions and expectations
• previously: metropolis (city) irrigated the periphery; now: reversed flow

Question 3

According to Hoeber, what caused the explosion of religious formations?

Answer 3

helped the teaching of religion:

• print and electronic media
• increased literacy
• urbanization

Question 4

According to Hoeber, what supports the idea that religion is a vehicle for cooperation and peace?

Answer 4

• liberation theology (Marxism and Christian cooperation helping the poor and oppressed)
• pentecostal congregations (religious gatherings)
• religion = security for survival, facilitates collective action, empowers the poor
• enlightenment gave religion a bad name

Question 5

According to Hoeber, what supports the idea that religion is a vehicle for conflict?

Answer 5

• can provide symbols and language to justify wars

- religion is never the single cause; but one of the identity markers of groups

Question 6

According to Hoeber, what are the 2 types of cultural regimes (domstic) ?

Answer 6

homogenizing assimilation vs. multicultual pluralism

multicultural pluralism = normal form

Question 7

According to Hoeber, how does religion relate to sovereignty?

Answer 7

• communities constituting transnational civil society may have authority and power; but don’t claim sovereignty
• religious authority challenge the monopoly of sovereignty of states