ABSTRACT

With religion at centre stage in conflicts worldwide, and in social, ethical and geo-political debates, this book takes a timely look at relations between law and religion. To what extent can religion play a role in secular legal systems? How do peoples of various faiths live successfully by both secular laws as well as their religious laws? Are there limits to freedom of religion? These questions are related to legal deliberations and broader discussions around secularism, multiculturalism, immigration, settlement and security.

The book is unique in bringing together leading scholars and respected religious leaders to examine legal, theoretical, historical and religious aspects of the most pressing social issues of our time. In addressing each other’s concerns, the authors ensure accessibility to interdisciplinary and non-specialist audiences: scholars and students in social sciences, human rights, theology and law, as well as a broader audience engaged in social, political and religious affairs. Five of the book’s thirteen chapters address specific contemporary issues in Australia, one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world and a pioneer of multicultural policies. Australia is a revealing site for contemporary studies in a world afraid of immigration and terrorism. The other chapters deal with political, legal and ethical issues of global significance. In conclusion, the editors propose increasing dialogue with and between religions. Law may intervene in or guide such dialogue by defending the free exchange of religious ideas, by adjudicating disputes over them, or by promoting a civil society that negotiates, rather than litigates.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

Da capo: law and religion from the top down

part |54 pages

Law, state and secularism

part |67 pages

Religion and speech in a pluralist society

chapter |22 pages

The reasonable audience of religious hatred

The semiotic ideology of anti-vilification laws in Australia 1

part |59 pages

Religion as a factor in legal processes and decisions

chapter |14 pages

Religion and security

What's your motive?

chapter |14 pages

Religion and justice

Atonement as an element of justice in both western law and Christian thought

chapter |29 pages

Why should I do this?

Private property, climate change and Christian sacrifice

part |34 pages

Negotiating religious law and personal beliefs

chapter |15 pages

Do Australian Muslims need a mufti?

Analysing the institution of ifta in the Australian context 1

chapter |15 pages

A posteriori

The experience of religion