Politics and Religion in the United States and France

by Alec Hargreaves Florida State University, John Kelsay Florida State University; author of Arguing the Just War in Islam, Sumner B. Twiss, R Scott Appleby Institute for International Peace Studies, Professor of History, University, Jean Bauberot

Overview

Religion and Politics in France and the United States compares the current status and views of Jews, Christians, and Muslims regarding political life in two states. Longstanding traditions of laicite and of constitutional law frame discussions of political speech, voting patterns, and attempts to deal with demographic and cultural shifts characteristic of French and American societies. Papers by leading scholars demonstrate the ways that historical experience sheds light on current events; how it is, for example, that previous efforts to deal with religious difference affect current approaches to the display of religious symbols in state schools, or how the struggles of minority groups for recognition affect voting patterns. One question running throughout the volume is, what can French and American policymakers and citizens learn from one another, as they seek to deal with the challenges presented by contemporary life? This book is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739119303
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	11/16/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	6.09(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Alec G. Hargreaves is director of the Winthrop-King Institute for Contemporary French and Francophone Studies at Florida State University. John Kelsay is distinguished research professor and Richard L. Rubinstein Professor of Religion at Florida State University. Sumner B. Twiss is distinguished professor of human rights, ethics, and religion at Florida State University, and professor emeritus of religious studies at Brown University.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Historical and Constitutional Frameworks
Chapter 2 Religion, Politics, and Law in the United States in Comparative Perspective
Chapter 3 Historical and Constitutional Relations between Churches and the State in France
Part 4 Protestantism
Chapter 5 Religious Freedom and American Protestantism
Chapter 6 Putting God into the City: Protestants in France
Part 7 Catholicism
Chapter 8 The Catholic Story: The Political Consequences of Internal Pluralism
Chapter 9 French Catholics, Secularization, and Politics
Part 10 Judaism
Chapter 11 The American Jewish Experience
Chapter 12 From Assimilation to Post-Republicanism: Jews in France
Part 13 Islam
Chapter 14 To Vote or not to Vote: The Politicization of American Islam
Chapter 15 From Migrants to Citizens: Muslims in France
Part 16 Conclusions
Chapter 17 Current Issues in France
Chapter 18 Politicized Religion in France and the United States: Different Histories, Common Ideals, Similar Dilemmas

Editorial Reviews

A series of informative and thought-provoking essays which explore the interface between religion and politics in two of the world’s great democracies. The paired essays, which are perceptively and profitably handled, provide for interesting comparative readings.

Kay Chadwick

A series of informative and thought-provoking essays which explore the interface between religion and politics in two of the world's great democracies. The paired essays, which are perceptively and profitably handled, provide for interesting comparative readings.--Kay Chadwick, University of Liverpool

From the Publisher