010084 SE Socio-Cultural Profiles of Eastern (Central) Europe (2009S)

One of the purposes of the Communist system was to remove religion from the public and private spheres not only through secular education, but also through destruction of religious institutions. This aim, however, was achieved in different part of the region in different degrees: in the Czech Republic, for example, it was more successfully done than in Poland. The project "God after Communism" (survey Aufbruch) was designed to answer two main questions: To what extent did the communist system destroy the religious culture of Eastern (Central) Europe? And what role did Christian Churches play after the breakdown of communist rule? The survey held in 2007 was aimed to investigate religious changes having taken place in the region during the last 10 yeas. To the ten countries, initially included in the survey Aufbruch-1997, four so-called Orthodox countries were added in the survey in 2007: namely, Bulgaria, Serbia, Belarus and Moldova. Special survey questions were added in adjustment to the Orthodox belief system. The survey did not ignore Muslim population either. Specific questions related to Islam (Koran studies, visits of a mosque, fasting, pilgrimage to Mekka), were also added. In addition to that, the survey data shed light on atheists and non-believers. Some atheists, as it turned out to be, have a capacity for believing and appreciating religious rituals. How important is religion for personal happiness of people, for their families, for career building, and for good relations with the neighbours? Do people need churches in dealing with moral issues, with social problems and with the problems of family life? Should God be mentioned in the European Constitution? Should Islam be acknowledged in Europe as a religion equal before the law? These and other topics related to religion and values in Eastern (Central) Europe will be discussed at the seminars and can be chosen for students' presentations. Guest scholars are planned to be invited.