Religious Diversity
Philosophical and Political Dimensions

Religious Diversity examines whether believing in a religion's truth increases intolerance and how the existence (and growth) of multiple religions affects political societies.

Roger Trigg (Author)

9781107638778, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 April 2014

205 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.35 kg

'The book is well written and structured and serves as a compendium of ten essays, building on historical and political examples as well as historical and contemporary positions in Philosophy and the Social Sciences. As such it is an interdisciplinary and comprehensive source to use in university courses.' Sarah J. Jahn, Entangled Religions

Should we merely celebrate diversity in the sphere of religion? What of the social cohesion of a country? There is a constant tug between belief in religious truth and the need for respect for other religions. Religious Diversity: Philosophical and Political Dimensions examines how far a firm faith can allow for toleration of difference and respect the need for religious freedom. It elucidates the philosophical credentials of different approaches to truth in religion, ranging from a dogmatic fundamentalism to a pluralism that shades into relativism. Must we resort to a secularism that treats all religion as a personal and private matter, with nothing to contribute to discussions about the common good? How should law approach the issue of religious freedom? Introducing the relevance of central discussions in modern philosophy of religion, the book goes on to examine the political implications of increasing religious diversity in a democracy.

Introduction
1. The challenge of religious diversity
2. Do religions claim truth?
3. Religious pluralism
4. The roots of religious belief
5. Does disagreement undermine theism?
6. Education and religious diversity
7. Truth and coercion
8. Religious diversity and identity
9. Religion as personal preference
10. Freedom and religion.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Religion & politics [HRAM2], Religious ethics [HRAM1], Religious issues & debates [HRAM], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]