Taming the Gods

Religion and Democracy on Three Continents

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Church, Church & State, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book Taming the Gods by Ian Buruma, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ian Buruma ISBN: 9781400834204
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: February 1, 2010
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Ian Buruma
ISBN: 9781400834204
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: February 1, 2010
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

For eight years the president of the United States was a born-again Christian, backed by well-organized evangelicals who often seemed intent on erasing the church-state divide. In Europe, the increasing number of radicalized Muslims is creating widespread fear that Islam is undermining Western-style liberal democracy. And even in polytheistic Asia, the development of democracy has been hindered in some countries, particularly China, by a long history in which religion was tightly linked to the state.

Ian Buruma is the first writer to provide a sharp-eyed look at the tensions between religion and politics on three continents. Drawing on many contemporary and historical examples, he argues that the violent passions inspired by religion must be tamed in order to make democracy work.

Comparing the United States and Europe, Buruma asks why so many Americans--and so few Europeans--see religion as a help to democracy. Turning to China and Japan, he disputes the notion that only monotheistic religions pose problems for secular politics. Finally, he reconsiders the story of radical Islam in contemporary Europe, from the case of Salman Rushdie to the murder of Theo van Gogh. Sparing no one, Buruma exposes the follies of the current culture war between defenders of "Western values" and "multiculturalists," and explains that the creation of a democratic European Islam is not only possible, but necessary.

Presenting a challenge to dogmatic believers and dogmatic secularists alike, Taming the Gods powerfully argues that religion and democracy can be compatible--but only if religious and secular authorities are kept firmly apart.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For eight years the president of the United States was a born-again Christian, backed by well-organized evangelicals who often seemed intent on erasing the church-state divide. In Europe, the increasing number of radicalized Muslims is creating widespread fear that Islam is undermining Western-style liberal democracy. And even in polytheistic Asia, the development of democracy has been hindered in some countries, particularly China, by a long history in which religion was tightly linked to the state.

Ian Buruma is the first writer to provide a sharp-eyed look at the tensions between religion and politics on three continents. Drawing on many contemporary and historical examples, he argues that the violent passions inspired by religion must be tamed in order to make democracy work.

Comparing the United States and Europe, Buruma asks why so many Americans--and so few Europeans--see religion as a help to democracy. Turning to China and Japan, he disputes the notion that only monotheistic religions pose problems for secular politics. Finally, he reconsiders the story of radical Islam in contemporary Europe, from the case of Salman Rushdie to the murder of Theo van Gogh. Sparing no one, Buruma exposes the follies of the current culture war between defenders of "Western values" and "multiculturalists," and explains that the creation of a democratic European Islam is not only possible, but necessary.

Presenting a challenge to dogmatic believers and dogmatic secularists alike, Taming the Gods powerfully argues that religion and democracy can be compatible--but only if religious and secular authorities are kept firmly apart.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book American Big Business in Britain and Germany by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Locus of Authority by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book The Invention of Religion by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Constitutional Faith by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Zombie Economics by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Liberal Languages by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book An Enchanted Modern by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Dictators and Democrats by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book The Household by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book The Origins of Monsters by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Rational Decisions by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Dining Posture in Ancient Rome by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book The Irrationals by Ian Buruma
Cover of the book Reordering the World by Ian Buruma
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy