The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Cities

Like an ecosystem, cities develop, change, thrive, adapt, expand and contract through the interaction of myriad components. Religion is one of those living parts, shaping and being shaped by urban contexts. The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Cities is an outstanding interdisciplinary reference source to the key topics, problems and methodologies in this cutting-edge subject. Representing a wide diversity of cities and religions, the common analytical approach is ecological and spatial. It is the first collection of its kind and reflects the state-of-the-art in research focusing on the interaction of religions and their urban contexts. Comprised of 29 chapters by a team of international contributors, the Handbook is divided into three parts:

• Research Methodologies
• Religious Frameworks and Ideologies in Urban Contexts
• Contemporary Issues in Religion and Cities

Within these sections emerging research and analysis of current dynamics of urban religions are examined, including: housing, economics and gentrification; sacred ritual and public space; immigration and the refugee crisis; political conflicts and social change; ethnic and religious diversity; urban policy and religion; racial justice; architecture and the built environment; religious art and symbology; religion and urban violence, technology and the smart cities; the challenge of climate change on global cities; and religious meaning-making of the city.

The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Cities

is essential reading for students and researchers in religious studies and urban studies. The Handbook will also be very useful for those in related fields, such as sociology, history, architecture, urban planning, theology, social work and cultural studies.