ebooks The Politics of the Veil (The Public Square) by Joan Wallach Scott in History

Description

For eight years the president of the United States was a born-again Christian; backed by well-organized evangelicals who often seemed intent on erasing the church-state divide. In Europe; the increasing number of radicalized Muslims is creating widespread fear that Islam is undermining Western-style liberal democracy. And even in polytheistic Asia; the development of democracy has been hindered in some countries; particularly China; by a long history in which religion was tightly linked to the state. Ian Buruma is the first writer to provide a sharp-eyed look at the tensions between religion and politics on three continents. Drawing on many contemporary and historical examples; he argues that the violent passions inspired by religion must be tamed in order to make democracy work. Comparing the United States and Europe; Buruma asks why so many Americans--and so few Europeans--see religion as a help to democracy. Turning to China and Japan; he disputes the notion that only monotheistic religions pose problems for secular politics. Finally; he reconsiders the story of radical Islam in contemporary Europe; from the case of Salman Rushdie to the murder of Theo van Gogh. Sparing no one; Buruma exposes the follies of the current culture war between defenders of "Western values" and "multiculturalists;" and explains that the creation of a democratic European Islam is not only possible; but necessary. Presenting a challenge to dogmatic believers and dogmatic secularists alike; Taming the Gods powerfully argues that religion and democracy can be compatible--but only if religious and secular authorities are kept firmly apart.