Faith in Politics
Religion and Liberal Democracy

Explores the relationship between religion and liberal democracy and the roles religion can play in modern democratic orders.

Bryan T. McGraw (Author)

9780521113335, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 June 2010

330 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2 cm, 0.6 kg

''Bryan McGraw's Faith in Politics and Anthony Gill's The Political Origins of Religious Liberty provide compelling and original insights on the interaction between religion and politics in modern society … these books provide an excellent introduction to the study of religion and politics. Both works depart from the usual abstract exercises in political theory and focus instead on historically oriented empirical research, to present political science as an empirical discipline. Both are intensely argued, theoretically sophisticated and empirically well supported. They are a delight to read and should be recommended to students of religious studies, political sociology and comparative politics.' Sarbeswar Sahoo, Political Studies Review

No account of contemporary politics can ignore religion. The liberal democratic tradition in political thought has long treated religion with some suspicion, regarding it as a source of division and instability. Faith in Politics shows how such arguments are unpersuasive and dependent on questionable empirical claims: rather than being a serious threat to democracies' legitimacy, stability and freedom, religion can be democratically constructive. Using historical cases of important religious political movements to add empirical weight, Bryan McGraw suggests that religion will remain a significant political force for the foreseeable future and that pluralist democracies would do well to welcome rather than marginalize it.

1. Europe's religious parties and the liberal consensus
2. The argument for deliberative restraint
3. The problem with secular reasons
4. Public reason and religious conflict
5. Religion and the problem of political autonomy
6. Making the most of conflict: religion and political toleration
Conclusion. Toward a better sort of liberal democracy.

Subject Areas: Comparative politics [JPB], Political science & theory [JPA], Politics & government [JP], Religion: general [HRA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]