ABSTRACT

In Religion in Modern Societies, Gunnar Skirbekk examines the challenging relationship between religion, science, and the state, and explores literature on religion in Western and Muslim-majority societies.

Through the lens of modernity theory and the perspective of philosophy of science, key issues are discussed, including freedom of expression and the interaction between religion and modern institutions. Chapters include:

• Science and Religion

• The Problem of Evil

• Freedom of Expression

• Multiculturalism and the Welfare State

• Religion as Social Integration

• Islam in a Historical Class Perspective

The topics discussed are universal issues which in principle hold relevance for all of us living in a modern science-based world and societies in crisis.

This volume is essential reading to those with an interest in philosophy of religion, religion and science, the work of Jürgen Habermas, the theory of modernization, and the politicization of religion.

part II|20 pages

Religion and the constitutional state

part III|19 pages

Religion and modern institutions

part IV|36 pages

Religion in modern societies