Before and After Democracy: Philosophy, Religion, and Politics

During the past half century, there have been a number of scholarly analyses of the relation of religion and democracy. This discussion of the relations between democracy and religion has been extremely wide-ranging. It is also much more complex than might even first appear. The present collection provides essential context for understanding the contemporary debate, and is divided into two themes where scholarly analysis has been concentrated. The first theme examines the 'origins' of liberal democracy in the western world and the role of religion in the development of democratic theory. The second theme deals with the place of religion and religious faith in contemporary democratic and post-democratic societies, but also with the situation of democracy and democratic values within religious traditions today. Before and After Democracy aims at clarifying a number of the conceptual issues involved in the discussion of the relations between democracy and religion. It also seeks to provide an opportunity to review the particular contributions of philosophy, social and political theory, theology and religious studies, and history to understanding their relation, and to consider new directions in which reflection on this topic might be pursued.