Synopses & Reviews
The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere is a rare opportunity to experience a diverse group of preeminent philosophers confronting one all-encompassing contemporary concern: what role does or shouldreligion play in our public lives? Judith Butler's response reflects her recent work on state-sponsored violence in Israel, examining the function of religion within the context of cultural critique. Jurgen Habermas, best known for his innovative conception of the public sphere yet less of a commentator on religious practice, explores the limits of secularism, the enduring importance of religion, and the political significance of religious tolerance.
On the heels of these interrogations, Charles Taylor takes stock of our post-Chistendom Christianity and the need for a radical redefinition of secularism, and Cornel West passionately defends civil disobedience and emancipatory theology, especially in the service of civil rights and opposition to war. In their introduction, Eduardo Mendieta and Jonathan VanAntwerpen detail the immense contribution of these philosophers to contemporary scholarship and, specifically, to the issues within this volume. In an afterword, Craig Calhoun discusses the effect of these approaches in national and international domains.
Synopsis
The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere represents a rare opportunity to experience a diverse group of preeminent philosophers confronting one pervasive contemporary concern: what role does--or should--religion play in our public lives? Reflecting on her recent work concerning state violence in Israel-Palestine, Judith Butler explores the potential of religious perspectives for renewing cultural and political criticism, while J?rgen Habermas, best known for his seminal conception of the public sphere, thinks through the ambiguous legacy of the concept of the political in contemporary theory. Charles Taylor argues for a radical redefinition of secularism, and Cornel West defends civil disobedience and emancipatory theology. Eduardo Mendieta and Jonathan VanAntwerpen detail the immense contribution of these philosophers to contemporary social and political theory, and an afterword by Craig Calhoun places these attempts to reconceive the significance of both religion and the secular in the context of contemporary national and international politics.