Constitutions and Religious Freedom

This book challenges whether the protection and privilege of religious belief and identity should be prioritized over any other right.

Frank B. Cross (Author)

9781107041448, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 February 2015

270 pages, 30 b/w illus.
23.5 x 16 x 2 cm, 0.53 kg

'Bell and Li, together and separately, have done much to reinvigorate both the scholarly discussion and public dialogue regarding the virtues of political meritocracy. Their book is an excellent compendium for both scholars and students interested in the impact that modern political Confucianism and political meritocracy play in China, Singapore, East and South Asian societies, as well as the implications of political meritocracy's potential influence on liberal democracy and democratic theory.' Jon R. Taylor, Journal of Chinese Political Science

Many of us take for granted the idea that the right to religious freedom should be protected in a free, democratic polity. This book challenges whether the protection and privilege of religious belief and identity should be prioritized over any other right. By studying the effects of constitutional promises of religious freedom and establishment clauses, Frank B. Cross sets the stage for a set of empirical questions that examine the consequences of such protections. Although the case for broader protection is often made as a theoretical matter, constitutions generally protect freedom of religion. Allowing people full choice in religious beliefs or freedom of conscience is central to their autonomy. Freedom of religion is thus potentially a very valuable aspect of society, at least so long as it respects the freedom of individuals to be irreligious. This book tests these associations and finds that constitutions provide national religious protection, especially when the legal system is more sophisticated.

1. Why freedom of religion?
2. Religious freedom around the world
3. Measuring religious freedom
4. Social factors and religious freedom
5. Constitutions and religious freedom
6. The constitutional protection of religious freedom
7. Religious freedom and society.

Subject Areas: Constitutional & administrative law [LND], Law [L], Comparative politics [JPB], Religious ethics [HRAM1]