Reaping the Whirlwind: Liberal Democracy and the Religious AxisAs early as the sixteenth century the liberal democratic state has been forced to confront the question of religion in politics. The result has been a tense and uncomfortable balancing act. Today, in the public square of liberal democracy, a number of religious confessions and beliefs compete for attention. In the American experience, some sense of religious pluralism and relative social harmony has been maintained. However, for this relationship to prevail, a tension must continue to exist—one that balances the political and social pursuits of self-interest with meeting the objectives of the common good. In Reaping the Whirlwind, John R. Pottenger shows how this process began in the modern world, and how societies attempt to manage this ongoing conflict. The first part of the book lays the groundwork of his analysis by using examples from history to demonstrate the genesis of political and religious "whirlwinds." It goes on to explore contemporary case studies, such as conflicts between Mormons and Evangelicals in the United States, liberation theology in Latin America, Islam and the state in Uzbekistan, and radical Christian reconstructionism. Pottenger believes that the formal institutions of liberal democracy should maintain this turbulence, even as religious activism threatens to upset the balance. He concludes by advocating religious liberty and recognizing the individual and social need for expression. At the same time, he maintains that the survival of liberal democracy requires that these religious traditions not dominate the public sphere. |
From inside the book
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... Christian values in public policy matters, even to the point of reestablishing America as a Christian nation or commonwealth. Their arguments appeal to history, invoking America's Christian heritage to justify their social agenda and ...
... evangelical Christian leaders and conservative politicians attended the rallies to offer moral support and to encourage the protestors . 13 As the deadline for removal approached , determined supporters of the chief justice continued to ...
... Christian tradition . Throughout American history , he argues , civil society's acceptance of America as a Christian ... Christians ; Jews comprise 2 percent . " Other reli- gious affiliations comprise 6 percent , and 9 percent consider ...
... believers organized to swell the pres- ence of conservative evangelical Christians in politics. An Alabama group advocating a more active religious voice in state and national politics organized the League of Christian Voters, to aid ...
... Christian values in public policy matters, even to the point of reestablishing America as a Christian nation or commonwealth. Their arguments appeal to history, invoking America's Christian heritage to justify their social agenda and ...
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Reaping the Whirlwind: Liberal Democracy and the Religious Axis John R. Pottenger No preview available - 2007 |