Overview

The Theology of Ethnocultural Empathic Turn draws upon Radomir Kostantinović’s Philosophy of Parochialism to delve into the roots of ethnoreligious tensions in the former Yugoslav territories. It provides a comprehensive understanding of this specific politico-religious issue, exposing how the sacralization of ethnonational mythology influences present-day conflicts. Through meticulous analysis, the author examines the intertwining of (ethno)totalitarianism and (ethno)clericalism, which foster a ""killing culture"" supported by the dominant part of structures of the Catholic Church in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Serbian Orthodox Church. Transitioning from historical analysis to proposing a solution, the author advocates for an “ethnocultural empathy turn”, integrating ethnocultural empathy as a branch of social psychology with the example of Jesus' turn in Matthew 15:21-28. Highlighting individuals like Bishop Srećko Badurina and layperson Franjo Starčević, who embody an authentic evangelical spirit amidst the former Yugoslav conflict, the book makes a compelling case for liberation from ethnoreligious captivity. This book contributes significantly to developing the first Balkan contextual theology, drawing upon new political theology and theologies of liberation.

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9781978716629

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Branko Sekulic's first book articulated the unequivocal theological rejection of ethno-religious identities on the European peripheries; with his second book, he takes upon himself a task that is both more urgent and more difficult--to develop a constructive trajectory for tackling ethnoreligiosity and ethnoclericalism as they legitimize the exclusion and violence. Sekulic's response is ""the theology of the ethnocultural empathetic turn,"" which affirms the universal humanist thrust of Christianity while embedding it in concrete contexts and concrete actors. His book is a powerful reminder why our populist moment requires that we move beyond merely critical and toward constructive and contextualized theological discourses: only such discourses, Sekulic argues, can defeat the dangers of contemporary nativist religio-nationalisms. --Slavica Jakelic, Richard Baepler Distinguished Professor, The Honors College of Valparaiso University and author of Collectivistic Religions Branko Sekulic makes the rather opaque interweaving of political, social, and religious aspects in the post-Yugoslav region clear and plausible for outsiders. Above all, however, this interweaving is recognized as exemplary: firstly for other ethno-religious conflicts, which may increase in the future, and then above all for newly emerging political theologies, for newly emerging variants of traditional liberation theology. --Christian Albrecht, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Branko Sekulic makes the rather opaque interweaving of political, social, and religious aspects in the post-Yugoslav region clear and plausible for outsiders. Above all, however, this interweaving is recognized as exemplary: firstly for other ethno-religious conflicts, which may increase in the future, and then above all for newly emerging political theologies, for newly emerging variants of traditional liberation theology. --Christian Albrecht, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Author Information

Branko Sekulić is lecturer at the University Center for Protestant Theology “Matthias Flacius Illyricus” in Zagreb and president of the Institute for Theology and Politics.

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