Proselytism, Humanitarianism, and Development: A Panel Discussion

tonygill — Sun, 24 May 2015 08:00:56 +0000

Proselytism is as old as religion itself. Nearly all spiritual faiths seek to expand the number of adherents that they have via communicating with people not within their faith tradition. But to what extent is proselytism a “bad thing” for society, perhaps as a form of cultural imperialism? How has religious proselytism impacted socio-economic development over time? How do humanitarian acts factor into proselytism and economic development? Thomas Farr, director of the Religious Freedom Project (part of Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs), leads a conversation among a diverse set of scholars including Robert Woodberry, Michael Barnett, and Rebecca Shah (heard in that order). This is one of several panels presented by the Religious Freedom Project on the topic of proselytism, including one on proselytism and social stability (see below). Recorded: March 4, 2015.

Religious Freedom & Political Flourishing: A Panel Discussion

tonygill — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 09:00:49 +0000

Can religious liberty trailblaze a pathway towards greater political liberalization in autocratic countries? Is religious freedom a necessary condition for democratic societies? And how does religious liberty orginate and sustain itself in regimes around the world? Are other freedoms necessary to sustain the rights of conscience? These were questions that were posed to an esteemed panel of four scholars assembled by the Religious Freedom Project of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University in early October. Moderated by Timothy Shah (Religious Freedom Project), the panelists include — in order of appearance — Dan Philpott (RFP and Notre Dame), Nukhet Sandal (Ohio U), Ani Sarkissian (Michigan State), and Tony Gill (U of Washington).

Prior to assembling the panel, Timothy Shah mailed all four discussants a set of questions as follows:

Is it possible to have a polity that is liberal and democratic in most respects bu that also suppresses religious freedom?
Does the presence of robust religious freedom promote political freedom, limited government, and democracy? If so, what specific elements of religious freedom ar most crucial for promoting political freedom and vibrant democracy?
Are there wasy in which religious freedom helps to promote transitions from authoritarianism to democracy?
Are there context or regions important for American national security and global stability that illustrate the causal linkages between religious freedom, on the one hand, and political freedom and democratization, on the other?

All four panelists were given about 10 minutes to respond to any and all of these questions using any region of the world and historical era that they chose. This was then followed up by further questions by the moderator, Tim Shah, and several questions from the audience. Recorded: October 10, 2013 at Georgetown University.

Research On Religion » Religious Freedom Project

Proselytism, Humanitarianism, and Development: A Panel Discussion

Religious Freedom & Political Flourishing: A Panel Discussion