Civil Religion

A critique of the civil religion thesis, identifying the most basic deficiencies of literature on this topic. An informative case study of civil religion in Pinochet's Chile substantiates the critique.

Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseay, Mill and Marx, and Foucault - what really links these and other `classic' political theorists? Not, argues Terence Ball, their common status as `dead, white, European males', but instead the exciting and compelling way in which they can speak to us today.Professor Ball begins by setting out his liberating view of the way we should approach `classic' texts. Using an approach that is both `problem-driven' and methodologically `pluralist', Ball offers new readings - and reappraisals - of key authors and classic works in political theory. Throughout he argues that the importance of the great texts lies in their repeated reinterpretation in the light of problems that arise for present-day readers.This tour de force, always entertaining and eclectic, focuses on the core problems surrounding many of the major thinkers. Was Machiavelli really amoral? Why did language matter so much to Hobbes - and why should it matter to us? Are the roots of the totalitarian state to be found in Rousseau? Were the utilitarians sexist in their view of the franchise?Written in a lively and accessible style, the book will provoke debate among students and scholars alike. Throughout, Terence Ball shows just how exciting and important political theory can be.

This book attempts to articulate the nature of a secular society, describe its benefits, and suggests the conditions under which such a society could emerge. To become secular, argues Fenn, is to open oneself and one's society to a wide range of possibilities, some interesting and exciting, some burdensome and dreadful. While some sociologists have argued that a "Civil Religion" is necessary to hold together our newly "religionless" society, Fenn urges that there is nothing to fear--and everything to gain--from living in a society that is not bound together by sacred memories and beliefs, or by sacred institutions and practices.

Providing a historical context to religious pluralism, Richard E. Wentz examines the challenges that this presents to denominationalism and civil religion, and considers the influence of secularism on the culture of religious pluralism.

This ambitious and accessible history of the nation's highest court contains information important for every American to know.

Religion is a critical construct for understanding contemporary social life. It illuminates the everyday experiences and practices of many individuals, is a significant component of diverse institutional processes including politics, gender relations, and socioeconomic inequality, and plays a vital role in public culture and social change. This handbook showcases current research and thinking in the sociology of religion. The contributors, all active writers and researchers int eh area, provide original chapters focusing on select aspects of their own engagement with the field. Aimed at students and scholars who want to know more about the sociology of religion, this handbook also provides a resource for sociologists in general by integrating broader questions of sociology (e.g. demography, ethnicity, life course, inequality, political sociology) into the analysis of religion. Broadly inclusive of traditional research topics (modernity, secularization, politics) as well as newer interests (feminism, spirituality, faith-based community action), this handbook illustrates the validity of diverse theoretical perspectives and research designs to understanding the multilayered nature of religion as a sociological phenomenon.

Providing a historical context to religious pluralism, Richard E. Wentz examines the challenges that this presents to denominationalism and civil religion, and considers the influence of secularism on the culture of religious pluralism.