Political Secularism, Religion, and the State (Cambridge Studies in Social Theory, Religion and Politics)
Cambridge University Press, 4/16/2015
EAN 9781107433915, ISBN10: 1107433916
Paperback, 296 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm
Language: English
This book examines 111 types of state religion policy in 177 countries between 1990 and 2008. Jonathan Fox argues that policy is largely a result of the competition between political secular actors and religious actors, both of which try to influence state religion policy. While there are other factors that influence state religion policy and both the secular and religious camps are divided, Fox offers that the secular-religious competition perspective provides critical insight into the nature of religious politics across the globe. While many states have both increased and decreased their involvement in religion, Fox demonstrates that states which have become more involved in religion are far more common.
1. Introduction
2. Secularism or secularization?
3. Establishment, support, neutrality, or hostility
the varieties of official religion policy
4. State support for religion
5. Regulation, restriction, and control of the majority religion
6. Religious discrimination
7. Education, abortion, and proselytizing
8. Religion in constitutions
9. Conclusions
Appendix A. Data collection and reliability.