On the complex relationship between the religious and the secular – proposing the notion of sedimentation

Abstract

Terminology that describes the categories of ‘the religious’ and ‘the secular’ as two variables in a simple zero-sum-game are not sufficient says Karsten Lehman. In reality, complex historical processes mean these categories are dynamic and complex. Here Lehmann looks at how the Catholic NGO Pax Romana has changed its engagement with the UN over time. He proposes the notion of ‘sedimentation’ to better understand the dynamic transformations of religions and their role in public space.