The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere

"The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere" is a rare opportunity to experience a diverse group of preeminent philosophers tackle one all-encompassing contemporary concern: what role does "or should"religion 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. JA1/4rgen 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.