Regressive Religion? Right-Wing Populism and Lessons Learned

This essay responds to the question whether the ever more frequent reference to religion by right wing populism may be considered as "regressive". The essay will argue that the relationship between religion and populism goes well beyond a mere manipulation, but stems from a theological-political heritage, which populism shares with modern democracy. The rapport between right-wing populism and religion will be assessed in light of the dyad secularisation/post secularisation, in the wider framework of a reflection on genuinely pluralistic democratic public spaces.