Abstract:
With religion at centre stage in conflicts worldwide, and in social, ethical
and geo-political debates, this book takes a timely look at relations
between law and religion. To what extent can religion play a role in
secular legal systems? How do peoples of various faiths live successfully by
both secular laws as well as their religious laws? Are there limits to freedom
of religion? These questions are related to legal deliberations and broader
discussions around secularism, multiculturalism, immigration, settlement
and security.
The book is unique in bringing together leading scholars and respected
religious leaders to examine legal, theoretical, historical and religious
aspects of the most pressing social issues of our time. In addressing each
other’s concerns, the authors ensure accessibility to interdisciplinary and
non-specialist audiences: scholars and students in social sciences, human
rights, theology and law, as well as a broader audience engaged in social,
political and religious affairs. Five of the book’s thirteen chapters address
specific contemporary issues in Australia, one of the most ethnically
diverse countries in the world and a pioneer of multicultural policies. Australia is a revealing site for contemporary studies in a world afraid of immigration and terrorism. The other chapters deal with political, legal and
ethical issues of global significance. In conclusion, the editors propose
increasing dialogue with and between religions. Law may intervene in or
guide such dialogue by defending the free exchange of religious ideas, by
adjudicating disputes over them, or by promoting a civil society that negotiates, rather than litigates.
