Secularism or Democracy?: Associational Governance of Religious Diversity (Amsterdam University Press - IMISCOE Research)
A comprehensive analysis of some of the most debated issues concerning the role played by religion in contemporary society. Contextualised in a broad sociological and historical perspective, this book provides lawyers with a very helplful insight into the way new relations between law and religion are taking shape. Silvio Ferrari Professor of Law, University of Milan This is a terrific book. I know of no other contemporary work on religion and politics that combines such sophisticated philosophical analysis with such deep sociological knowledge. It is a major contribution. Joseph H. Carens University of Toronto - Professor Veit Bader's book, SECULARISM OR DEMOCRACY? is a much needed book today. As many democracies face the renewed challenge of maintaining religious freedom in light of increasing numbers of religious minorities, it offers a way to protect the freedom of religious minorities, not by ignoring them or stifling their freedom, but by recognizing and accepting them in a truly pluralistic fashion. Stephen Monsma, Research Fellow The Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI USA - In this important book, Veit Bader offers an anti-perfectionist defense of religious diversity and its associational governance. His bold and courageous approach to these issues is based on a concept of minimal morality that is coupled with a commitment to maximum institutional pluralism. Secularism or Democracy puts at center-stage the urgent need to revisit the relationship between religion and politics if we are to live together peacefully and respectfully in our diverse societies. Ayelet Shachar Leah Kaplan Visiting Professor in Human Rights Stanford Law School Stanford University Stanford Law School, Stanford University