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Exploring the viability of new perspectives on secularisation and the idea of postsecularism, this book reflects on their relevance when considered in the context of different societies within and outside the West.
The topic of secularisation has been recently reconsidered by prominent theorists, such as Jürgen Habermas, Talal Asad, Charles Taylor, and José Casanova. Offering a comparative critique of postsecularism, the contributors extend the discourse on postsecularism to include non-Western experiences, providing comprehensive perspectives on the role of religion in the public sphere and considering the validity of the concept of postsecularism. Drawn from a variety of disciplines, the contributors articulate a coherent analysis of the role of religion in the public sphere from a perspective that engages in the envisaged dialogue.
This insightful book will be important for those researching secularism and postsecularism, especially from a non-Western perspective, and it will also be of interest to scholars working on politics and religion in general, political philosophy, and African studies.
List of contents
Introduction Chapter 1: The Aporias of Global Democracy Chapter 2: Religion’s Public Sphere: Postsecularism and The World Society Chapter 3: Beyond Legislative Postsecularism in the West: Custom and Constitution in an African Context Chapter 4: To be Secular and Neutral: The Challenge of Religion in South Africa Chapter 5: Religion, Culture and Secularism: Beyond the Western Paradigm Chapter 6: Superstition and Modernity: The Conflict Thesis, Secularization Thesis, and Anti-Catholicism Chapter 7: Religion and the Postsecular: Reflections on the Indian Experience Chapter 8: "God Reloaded": The Pentecostal Political Transgression and Africa’s Non-secularity
About the author
Uchenna Okeja is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Rhodes University, South Africa, and a fellow at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study. His research interests are in the area of political philosophy, ethics, and critical theory.
Summary
Exploring the viability of new perspectives on secularisation and the idea of postsecularism, this book reflects on their relevance when considered in the context of different societies within and outside the West.
