The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere represents a rare opportunity to experience a diverse group of preeminent philosophers confronting one pervasive contemporary concern: what role does—or should—religion play in our public lives? Reflecting on her recent work concerning state violence in Israel-Palestine; Judith Butler explores the potential of religious perspectives for renewing cultural and political criticism; while Jürgen Habermas; best known for his seminal conception of the public sphere; thinks through the ambiguous legacy of the concept of "the political" in contemporary theory. Charles Taylor argues for a radical redefinition of secularism; and Cornel West defends civil disobedience and emancipatory theology. Eduardo Mendieta and Jonathan VanAntwerpen detail the immense contribution of these philosophers to contemporary social and political theory; and an afterword by Craig Calhoun places these attempts to reconceive the significance of both religion and the secular in the context of contemporary national and international politics.
#424383 in Books Jonathan Riley Smith 2011-05-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .33 x 5.55l; .42 #File Name: 0231146256136 pagesThe Crusades Christianity and Islam
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very different; original; and intriguing set of ...By A. HernandezA very different; original; and intriguing set of essays about the crusades and their impact on modern notions of "medievalism."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This a series of Bampton Lectures on the Crusades and ...By David BennettThis a series of Bampton Lectures on the Crusades and as such is inevitably brief. However; Professor Riley-Smith is one of the foremost authorities on the subject and this contribution is most helpful. The common view of the Crusades today is that a ignorant mob of Crusaders invaded Muslim land and committed atrocities. However; as Riley-Smith shows there were two sides in these wars; and both were at fault. One striking matter that Riley-Smith raises is that it was not until the end of the nineteenth century that Muslims blamed Christians (the West?) for these wars. Before then it does not seem to have been an issue.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Concise; clear; intelligentBy tinseltownA great survey of a large period of time and its effect on present day. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Crusades; Medieval times; "holy" war; and jihad.
