ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that it is in the secular state's interest to encourage religious liberty whenever secular reason can discern that it clearly contributes to social welfare. The state has the right to curb religious liberty that demonstrably promotes harms to its citizens. But the Christian church offers several clear examples of religious liberty benefiting social welfare by providing a place for independent thought and expression; care for the poor; and resources for community-building. The chapter focuses on benefits that the church provides for which it is unlikely or impossible that the state could provide an equally effective substitute. There are a couple of natural objections to such a project. First, it might be charged that the argument unfairly privileges the Christian faith. Second, it could be urged that there is something oddly cynical about arguing that a religion ought to be taken seriously by the secular state merely because it is good for society.
