Research On Religion | separation of church and state

Posts Tagged ‘separation of church and state’

Religious Freedom & Political Flourishing: A Panel Discussion

Tags: Catholic Church, Christianity, church-state relations, conflictual independence, democracy, democratization, foggy bottoms, human rights, Islam, Kelo v New London, Northern Ireland, religious freedom, Religious Freedom Project, religious liberty, secularism, separation of church and state, tolerance, Turkey, women's rights

On October 10, 2013, a distinguished panel of scholars gathered at Georgetown University to discuss the relationship between religious liberty to political freedom and social flourishing. Sponsored by the Religious Freedom Project of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and moderated by Prof. Timothy Shah, the panelists included Dan Philpott (Notre Dame), Nukhet Sandal (Ohio U), Ani Sarkissian (Michigan State), and Tony Gill (U of Washington). They examine issues whether democracies can suppress religious liberty and still remain democratic, whether increases in religious liberty can promote other civil liberties, and whether religious freedom can facilitate transitions from authoritarianism.

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David Cortman on Religious Liberty Updates

Tags: Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v Winn, Conestoga Wood Specialties, Hobby Lobby, Marsh v Chambers, nativity displays, offended observer, religious freedom, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, religious liberty, separation of church and state, Supreme Court, tax exempt status, Town of Greece v Galloway, zoning regulations

We take a look at several issues on the religious liberty landscape, from Christmas songs in public schools to prayers at city council meetings to health care mandates. David Cortman, of the Alliance Defending Freedom, provides a review of these cases and addresses some of the challenges that Tony puts before him. This is a wide-ranging discussion that covers some of the more well-known court cases as well as some lesser known issues.

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Jonathan Fox on Religion & State Around the World

What does the relationship between religious groups and the state look like around the world? Prof. Jonathan Fox of Bar Ilan University talks about the findings that have come from his expansive data collection and research exploration into the nature of religion and politics around the world. We discuss how religious organizations are regulated by governments in different parts of the globe and whether or not — and how — religious groups offer the state legitimacy and vice versa.

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Robert Nelson on Environmentalism as Religion

Can environmentalism be considered a religion? And if so, what are the implications for the separation of church and state when it comes to the contemporary environmentalist agenda? Prof. Robert Nelson (U of Maryland) addresses these questions. As a former policy analyst in the US Interior Department, he brings an interesting perspective to the table, arguing that the environmental movement shares a great deal in common with what other people would normally consider to be theologically-based religions. We discuss what religion is and what aspects of environmentalism qualify it to be defined as a religion. We talk creation stories, teleology, sins & repentance, rites & sacrifices, and evangelization. Prof. Nelson concludes with an interesting argument about the separation of church and state being applied to environmentalism.

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