The Problem of Religious Diversity : European Challenges, Asian Approaches

This book engages critically with the different models and approaches for managing religion adopted in Europe, Asia and Oceania. A truly intercontinental volume, this collection brings together high level scholarship from renowned scholars and rising stars in the fields of political theory, Islamic studies, sociology and law.

Could lessons from Asia, Oceania and the Middle East help Europe overcome the challenge of religious diversity? This book questions whether the best way to deal with religious diversity is to equalise upwards or downwards, what the obstacles to a more egalitarian religious pluralism are, and what we can learn from policies and practices in the Middle East and Asia where religious plurality and the integration of religion in the public space is the norm rather than the exception.The first part of the book discusses the type and degree of secularism that is fit for addressing the challenges of religious diversity that contemporary western societies face at a theoretical or normative level, The second part engages with the experiences of countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania in their governance and accommodation of diverse religious communities within a single state. Key FeaturesBringing together scholars from political theory, Islamic studies, sociology and law . Showcases high level scholarship from around the world - a truly intercontinental volume that disrupts the previous dominance of Euro- and West-centric viewpoints and analyses. Distinguishes secularism from atheism and democracy.