Religion, Culture, and Politics in Central Europe

Religion is without doubt one of the most important elements that has shaped the history and contemporary face of East-Central Europe. Religion played an important role in the political and cultural development of this part of the world. The history of the mutual interaction between religion and politics is evident in the cultural richness of East-Central Europe, particularly in Bohemia and Prague.

This course will explore various religious phenomena that formed the political ideas and cultural values of this region in different historical periods. We will examine particularly those religious characteristics and figures that remarkably influenced the world’s history and enriched human thinking. First, we will focus on the Christianization of East-Central European society and the prominent role of religion in political and cultural transformation. Then we will follow the development of the relationship between Judeo-Christian tradition and the secular world. Finally, we will explore the policies of Communist regimes in the spheres of religion and culture and will study religion in post-Communist society. The transformation of Catholicism in the 1960s will also be examined together with the role of Christian churches in the struggle against Communist totalitarianism.