Religious Freedom in the Liberal State - Softcover

Ahdar, Rex

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198738110 ISBN 13: 9780198738114

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2015

Synopsis

Examining the law and public policy relating to religious liberty in Western liberal democracies, this book contains a detailed analysis of the history, rationale, scope, and limits of religious freedom from (but not restricted to) an evangelical Christian perspective. Focusing on United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Eu, it studies the interaction between law and religion at several different levels, looking at the key debates that have arisen.

Divided into three parts, the book begins by contrasting the liberal and Christian rationales for and understandings of religious freedom. It then explores central thematic issues: the types of constitutional frameworks within which any right to religious exercise must operate; the varieties of paradigmatic relationships between organized religion and the state; the meaning of 'religion'; the limitations upon individual and institutional religious behavior; and the domestic and international legal mechanisms that have evolved to address religious conduct. The final part explores key subject areas where current religious freedom controversies have arisen: employment; education; parental rights and childrearing; controls on pro-religious and anti-religious expression; medical treatment; and religious group (church) autonomy.

This new edition is fully updated with the growing case law in the area, and features increased coverage of Islam and the flashpoint debates surrounding the accommodation of Muslim beliefs and practices in Anglophone nations.

About this title

Review:

Review from previous edition: This book is, without doubt, a terrific contribution on a very topical subject. Its strength is mainly in the excellent blend of philosophical, legal, rational and religious arguments in masterfully discussing the issues covered throughout the book and the rich resource of footnote references and selected bibliography provided in that regard. The book is definitely recommended reading for those interested in a critique of the traditional liberal theories and a religious perspective to the discourse on religious liberty in modern liberal states. (Mashood A. Baderin, E. H. R. L. R. Issue 3, 2006)

This is a very good book...[t]he range of material worked together by the authors is truly impressive, and as a result the book represents an invaluable vade-mecum to the debates of recent decades, at least as far as the English-speaking world is concerned. It must now be the first point of reference on questions of law and religion in this country. (Julian Rivers, University of Bristol)

...there is no doubt that the book has very substantial merits. The authors are meticulous legal scholars, but also impressively proficient in political philosophy and theology, amongst other disciplines. Their accomplished text will deservedly appear at the top of many reading lists in the next few years. (Colin Munro, Ecclesiastical Law Journal)

...learned, reasonable, clearly-thought-through, and well-grounded. (Nick Spencer, Theos,)

...learned, reasonable, clearly-thought-through, and well-grounded. (Nick Spencer, Theos)

this edition fully lives up to the standard set by the first one. It is not only a comprehensive survey of the area but it also provides a gentle but scholarly critique of some liberal theories which would displace religion altogether from having a place in public argument. (John Duddington, Law and Justice)

About the Author:

Rex Ahdar is a Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Otago, where he has taught since 1985. He was a Fulbright Senior Scholar at Boalt Hall School of Law, UC Berkeley in 1991. His current teaching embraces: Competition Law, Contract Law, and Law and Religion. His research interests include Competition Law and Policy, Church-State Relations, and Religious Freedom. Ian Leigh is Professor of Law at Durham University. His previous experience includes appointments at several UK universities, together with a period as a solicitor in local government, and visiting appointments at the universities of Otago, Florida, Virginia, Melbourne, and at Osgoode Hall Law School.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0198738110
• ISBN 13: 9780198738114
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 532