ABSTRACT
This paper draws attention to the continuing social significance of religions within the context of contemporary culturally and religiously plural European societies. The paper argues that within this emerging postsecular social reality, religions need to be included in the wider public discussions and public decision making. The aim of this social and democratic inclusion should not be limited to accommodating the distinctive needs of a particular religious community, but should also enable faith traditions to serve the common good. The paper suggests that religious traditions, by embracing diversity, can inspire a shared sense of belonging and nurture a renewed sense of trust among the communities that make up the wider society. The paper introduces concepts of ‘critical openness and critical faithfulness’ and argues that they need to inform both secular and religious worldviews’ engagement with the public space where the main agenda should be to reach a compromise and consensus that serve the common good. The public space within the democratic polities needs to be theologically informed and not left to a secularist monopoly or theocratic temptations. The public theologies reflecting the deeper ethical/social values of major world faith traditions can contribute to achieving this shared goal. The paper offers such a reflective and responsible modern Muslim public theology and discusses its educational and pedagogic implications.
