Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

11-2023

Abstract

Neoliberal shifts have brought about a centring of market logics, and a new focus on the individual as consumer. Some religious groups are better able to adapt to these shifts than others, which reveals the changing role of religion in people’s daily lives. This paper explores how the adaptive strategies of religious groups in response to neoliberalisation can trigger a reimagination of the role and value of religion in/to society. I illustrate these ideas through a comparative exploration of how Buddhist elites and evangelical Christians engage with theology, tradition, and the market in Sri Lanka. Whilst Buddhist elites struggle to overcome a sense of disjuncture in how Buddhist principles relate to the market, evangelicals have always been more integrationist in approach. Comparing these approaches reveals the extent to which neoliberalisation shapes the (trans)boundary modernities of religious leaders seeking to make the most of opportunities for expansion in post-war Sri Lanka.

Keywords

Neoliberalisation; religious adaptation; Buddhism; evangelical Christianity; Sri Lanka

Discipline

Asian Studies | Religion

Research Areas

Humanities

Publication

Journal of Contemporary Religion

First Page

1

Last Page

18

ISSN

1353-7903

Identifier

10.1080/13537903.2023.2271768

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group

Embargo Period

10-15-2024

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/13537903.2023.2271768

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