The Political Origins of Religious Liberty by Anthony James Gill, Hardcover, 9780521848145 | Buy online at The Nile
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The Political Origins of Religious Liberty

Author: Anthony James Gill   Series: Cambridge Studies in Social Theory, Religion, and Politics

This book argues that political leaders are likely to permit religious freedoms if they enhance power or economic well-being.

Throughout history, governments have attempted to control religious organizations and limit religious freedom. However, over the past two hundred years the world has witnessed an expansion of religious liberty. What explains this rise in religious freedom? Anthony Gill argues that political leaders are more likely to allow religious freedom when such laws affect their ability to stay in power, and/or when religious freedoms are seen to enhance the economic well-being of their country.

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Summary

This book argues that political leaders are likely to permit religious freedoms if they enhance power or economic well-being.

Throughout history, governments have attempted to control religious organizations and limit religious freedom. However, over the past two hundred years the world has witnessed an expansion of religious liberty. What explains this rise in religious freedom? Anthony Gill argues that political leaders are more likely to allow religious freedom when such laws affect their ability to stay in power, and/or when religious freedoms are seen to enhance the economic well-being of their country.

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Description

The issue of religious liberty has gained ever-increasing attention among policy makers and the public. Whereas politicians have long championed the idea of religious freedom and tolerance, the actual achievement of these goals has been an arduous battle for religious minorities. What motivates political leaders to create laws providing for greater religious liberty? In contrast to scholars who argue that religious liberty results from the spread of secularization and modern ideas, Anthony Gill argues that religious liberty results from interest-based calculations of secular rulers. Using insights from political economists, Gill develops a theory of the origins of religious liberty based upon the political and economic interests of governing officials. Political leaders are most likely to permit religious freedom when it enhances their own political survival, tax revenue, and the economic welfare of their country. He explores his theory using cases from British America, Latin America, Russia, and the Baltic states.

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Awards

Winner of American Sociological Association Distinguished Book Award in the Religion Section 2008

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Critic Reviews

“"Using engaging historical accounts and compelling theoretical arguments, Anthony Gill reveals that religious liberty is neither a mishap of history nor the inevitable consequence of secular states. Instead, he uncovers the motives and self-interests of politicians, religionists, and many others supporting religious freedoms around the globe and over time. A must read for anyone interested in the origins of civil liberties." Roger Finke, Penn State University”

"Using engaging historical accounts and compelling theoretical arguments, Anthony Gill reveals that religious liberty is neither a mishap of history nor the inevitable consequence of secular states. Instead, he uncovers the motives and self-interests of politicians, religionists, and many others supporting religious freedoms around the globe and over time. A must read for anyone interested in the origins of civil liberties." Roger Finke, Penn State University "Anthony Gill has done us all an enormous service in this beautifully written and intricately theorized book. Building on past research which identifies religious regulation as the key to understanding secularization, Gill takes a giant step forward to tell us why and how religious regulation occurs. He turns popular conceptions about the nature of religious liberty on their head to reveal the fascinating political mechanisms which determine church-state relationships. This monumental contribution to our understanding of the politics of religion absolutely invigorates current thinking on the topic and opens up multiple paths to future research discoveries. I am already pondering which of Gill's many insights I could rob." Paul Froese, Baylor University "The most important book ever written on religious liberty is also a delight to read." Rodney Stark, Baylor University

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About the Author

Anthony Gill is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Washington, where he specializes in the study of religion, economics, and politics. He is the author of Rendering Unto Caesar: The Catholic Church and the State in Latin America, as well as numerous articles on religion and politics. Professor Gill was awarded the University of Washington's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1999 and is also a nonresident scholar at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion.

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Product Details

Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Published
30th November 2007
Edition
1st
Pages
280
ISBN
9780521848145

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