ABSTRACT
Political theology clarifies that disagreement, structures a process of constructive disagreement, and presents practical definitions for and diplomatic approaches to religious freedom. Religious freedom should move beyond rights, beyond even an ambassador at large, and into the mainstream of foreign affairs. The work of political theology, expressed by people like Toft, Philpott, Shah, is work that is important not only for understanding religious actors, but political actors of all kinds. The policy problem of religious freedom is indicative of more than simply rival versions of the religious and the secular in religious freedom but also in politics generally. A consistent theoretical approach to international relations that takes the work and study of political theology seriously is central to international relations. New approaches, like political theology and principled pluralism, can and should become a part of the diplomatic toolbox of developed states like Canada and America.
