This volume investigates the complex interplay between religious institutions, belief systems, and the socio-political development of Europe over the past two millennia. Edited by Grace Davie and Lucian N. Leustean, the collection synthesizes contributions from a diverse group of scholars to argue that religion remains a fundamental, rather than peripheral, force in the construction of European identity, policy, and power structures. The work utilizes historical analysis and sociological frameworks to map the evolution of religious influence from antiquity to the contemporary era.

Experts identify this volume as a foundational reference for students and researchers exploring the intersection of religion and European politics. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose and the rigorous, multi-disciplinary approach employed by the contributors.