Religion and Political Theory

Secularism, Accommodation and The New Challenges of Religious Diversity

Edited by Jonathan Seglow and Andrew Shorten

Religion and religious diversity now occupy a central place in several prominent debates in contemporary political theory, such as those concerning the meaning(s) and relevance of secularism, the place of religious reasons in political deliberation, and whether religious beliefs and practices deserve special treatment by laws and public institutions. That religion has once again become a divisive topic amongst political theorists is perhaps surprising, given the widespread consensus about such staples of liberal political morality as the separation of church and state and the principle of religious freedom.

Featuring the work of both established and up-and-coming scholars, this collection will take stock of the recent turn towards religion in political theory, identify some of the major unresolved challenges and issues, and suggest new avenues for theoretical inquiry. Taken as a whole, the collection showcases some cutting-edge work by leading scholars of religion and political theory and demonstrates the vitality of religion and political theory as a research agenda.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / ECPR Press

Pages: 210 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-78552-314-4 • Hardback • October 2019 • $120.00 • (£80.00)

978-1-78552-315-1 • Paperback • October 2019 • $39.95 • (£24.95)

978-1-78552-316-8 • eBook • October 2019 • $38.00 • (£24.95)

Subjects: Political Science / Civics & Citizenship, Religion / General, Religion / Atheism

Religion and Political Theory

Secularism, Accommodation and The New Challenges of Religious Diversity

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

Religion and religious diversity now occupy a central place in several prominent debates in contemporary political theory, such as those concerning the meaning(s) and relevance of secularism, the place of religious reasons in political deliberation, and whether religious beliefs and practices deserve special treatment by laws and public institutions. That religion has once again become a divisive topic amongst political theorists is perhaps surprising, given the widespread consensus about such staples of liberal political morality as the separation of church and state and the principle of religious freedom.

Featuring the work of both established and up-and-coming scholars, this collection will take stock of the recent turn towards religion in political theory, identify some of the major unresolved challenges and issues, and suggest new avenues for theoretical inquiry. Taken as a whole, the collection showcases some cutting-edge work by leading scholars of religion and political theory and demonstrates the vitality of religion and political theory as a research agenda.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / ECPR Press

Pages: 210 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-78552-314-4 • Hardback • October 2019 • $120.00 • (£80.00)

978-1-78552-315-1 • Paperback • October 2019 • $39.95 • (£24.95)

978-1-78552-316-8 • eBook • October 2019 • $38.00 • (£24.95)

Subjects: Political Science / Civics & Citizenship, Religion / General, Religion / Atheism

Author

Jonathan Seglow is Reader in Political Theory, in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Andrew Shorten is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Limerick.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction
Jonathan Seglow and Andrew Shorten

Part 1: Secularism and Liberalism

Chapter 2: Inclusion or Exclusion of Religion: What Does Secularism Require?
Sune Lægaard

Chapter 3: The Paradox of Political Secularism
Sebastián Rudas

Chapter 4: Shaping Religion: The Limits of Transformative Liberalism
Paul Billingham

Part 2: Religious Accommodation

Chapter 5: Religion and the Claims of Citizenship: The Dangers of Institutional Accommodation
Andrea Baumeister

Chapter 6: Exemption Proliferation
Nick Martin

Chapter 7: (Not) Shaking Hands with People of the Opposite Sex: Civility, National Identity, and Accommodation
Christoph Baumgartner

Part 3: The New Challenges of Religious Diversity

Chapter 8: Religious Duties and Equal Opportunities in Public Spaces
Simon Thompson

Chapter 9: What is wrong with the Swiss Minaret Ban? A Comprehensive Response on Belonging in Post-migration Societies
Esma Baycan and Matteo Gianni

Chapter 10: Compromise and Religious Diversity
Elise Roumeas

Reviews

In a series of fascinating studies, this volume examines how secular liberal societies should provide for the diverse religious commitments of their populations. Writing lucidly and accessibly, the contributors combine analytic precision with theoretical insight and proposals for public policy. This is a ‘must-read’ volume for anyone interested in the political and legal issues facing contemporary multi-faith societies.
— Peter Jones, Emeritus Professor of Political Philosophy, Newcastle University

A superb collection that illuminates the theoretical stakes of recent controversies over religious diversity. It is exciting to see a new generation of scholars working at the cutting edge of debates about secularism and accommodation. This volume, carefully curated by Seglow and Shorten, provides a distinctively European perspective – a welcome addition to the US-dominated literature on religious freedom.
— Cécile Laborde, Nuffield Chair in Political Theory, University of Oxford

Religion and Political Theory

Secularism, Accommodation and The New Challenges of Religious Diversity

Edited by Jonathan Seglow and Andrew Shorten

Religion and Political Theory

Secularism, Accommodation and The New Challenges of Religious Diversity

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