Neoliberal Religion

This book explores neoliberal culture and its impact on religious identities. The social scientific study of religion must adapt accordingly if we are to comprehend current trends. A series of innovative – and sometimes unexpected examples – brings the debate to life, not least its ethical implications. This is a book to ponder carefully. * Grace Davie, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Exeter, UK *
Mathew Guest directs our attention to the fact that our era is traversed by market ideologies and imaginaries in the guise of neoliberalism and consumerism, and that this is crucial for understanding religion. Using a cultural approach that considers religion in wider society rather than looking at it in isolation, he perspicaciously analyses the way in which neoliberalism affects religion through discussions on marketization, populism, the rise of “post-truth” claims, securitization and the entrepreneurial self. It should be widely read. * François Gauthier, Full Professor of Religious Studies, University of Friborg, Switzerland *
Written in very accessible language, the book does a great job of introducing readers to major processes of social, political, and economic change that have occurred over the twentieth century and their impact on religious practices and identities … The book as a whole is highly recommended for the many inspirations it offers, even for those scholars and students who may not share all of the author’s views. * Journal of Religion in Europe *