The category of ‘religion’ has multiple uses and functions in the contemporary state. One of the criteria for modern law is that it is ‘separate from religion’, while legal arrangements aim to ensure ‘freedom of religion’ and ‘regulation of religion’. Hence, what is understood by ‘religion’ by the legal officials and lawmakers has concrete consequences for the organization of society. In other words, ‘religion’ is a building block for the conceptual organization of society that frequents in societal discussions in legal, political and media contexts. This session focuses on the category of religion in areas where typically the most formal power is used by the state, namely the legal institution and laws, and the ways in which they are interlinked with the society in general. It invites both theoretical and empirical discussions regarding the role of the category of religion in state control.
ORGANIZERS:TEEMU TAIRA (TOGETHER WITH TUOMAS ÄYSTÖ & RIINA KETO-TOKOI) University of Helsinki and University of Turku, Finland
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