Does Religious Pluralism Require Secularism? – The Hedgehog Review

Despite predictions to the contrary, religion is not disappearing. By now many proponents of the secularization thesis—the argument that with modernity the world is becoming less and less religious on a path to a religion-free world—have admitted their error and acknowledged that religion is well and thriving in contemporary life. The rapidly increasing and deepening religious pluralism in many places around the world raises the problem of how people of radically different faiths can live together.

The essays gathered here suggest that secularism might be part of the answer. Secularism, they argue, is not anti-religious or simply the absence of religion; rather it involves the attempt to create a public realm shaped by respect for others and concern for their rights—a place in which deep differences can coexist. For a secular state is (ideally) one that enforces no one religion; treats people of all religions with equal respect; and preserves a public space for the free exercise and expression of religions. Secularism, in these pages, is thus construed as the friend of all religions, and the foe or champion of none.

What emerges from these pages is actually not one secularism, but rather a range of secularisms—French, American, Indian, and others—that can be compared, evaluated, and improved upon.

via www.iasc-culture.org

Job – Political Science Department, University of Colorado, Boulder

Political Science Department, University of Colorado, Boulder

The Keller Center for the Study of the First Amendment at the University of Colorado and the Political Science Department invite applicants for a three-semester visiting post-doctoral appointment, beginning January 2011.

Applications received by October 4, 2010 will receive priority consideration. Applications are accepted electronically at https://www.jobsatcu.com, posting #811260 and should include a letter of interest, along with a current CV, writing samples, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation. 

Please direct inquiries to Keller Center Search Committee, Department of Political Science, 333 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0333. See www.colorado.edu/ArtsSciences/Jobs/ for full job description.

Job – Manhattan College

Assistant/Associate Professor of Religious Studies

Manhattan College seeks a tenure-track assistant/associate professor of Religious Studies in the field of Islamic Studies who will also direct an academic Center dedicated to fostering understanding among Christians, Jews, and Muslims through the study of the Holocaust, genocide, and other examples of ethno-religious conflict. This center expands upon the College’s highly successful Holocaust Resource Center. The director will teach two courses per semester, including courses in Islam and other topics related to the center’s mission, as well as courses that meet the College’s Religious Studies requirements. Ph.D., a record of excellent teaching, and an established research agenda required.

The College’s location in the Riverdale section of New York City and its dedication to fulfilling both the Catholic and the Lasallian commitment to social justice mean that the director of the Center must be dedicated to engaging in community outreach and bringing together diverse constituencies. The director organizes public lectures, course presentations, the publication of interviews and other materials, and the creation of teaching resources. The director must also possess administrative skills, preferably would have some fund-raising experience, and must work closely with faculty, administrators, staff, and students to support the mission of the Center.

Send or email letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to Andrew Skotnicki, Chair, Department of Religious Studies, Manhattan College, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, NY 10471 (andrew.skotnicki@manhattan.edu). Applications received by October 22 will be considered for interviews at the AAR in Atlanta, but the position will remain open until filled.

– 
Margaret Groarke
Director, Peace Studies Program
Associate Professor, Government
Manhattan College
4513 Manhattan College Parkway
Bronx, NY 10471

718-862-7943 (office)
718-862-7943 (office