Secularism: The Basics 1st Edition Hardcover by Jacques Berlinerblau

Description

Author: Berlinerblau Jacques

Edition: 1

Package Dimensions: 0x0x788

Number Of Pages: 208

Release Date: 31-12-2021

Details: Product Description

Secularism: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to confusing and contradictory public discussions of secularism across the globe.
“Secularism” must be the most confused and convoluted term in the entire global political lexicon. From New York, to Paris, to Istanbul, to Addis Ababa, to New Delhi, to Montevideo, there are countless examples of politicians, religious leaders and journalists, invoking the S-word in heated debates about public education, gender, sex, national symbols, and artistic freedom. In this lively and lucid book, Jacques Berlinerblau addresses why secularism is defined in so many ways and why it so ignites people’s passions. In so doing, he explores the following important questions: What does secularism mean? Why should we care about this idea? What are the different types of secularism and what are their histories? What are the basic principles of political secularisms? Why are secularism and Atheism often confused? What is the relationship between secularism and LGBTQ rights? What opposition are secularisms up against? What does the future hold for a concept millennia in the making, but only really operationalized in the twentieth century?
With a glossary of key terms, case studies, informative tables, and suggestions for further reading throughout, the book considers key philosophical, religious, anti-religious, post-modern and post-colonial arguments around secularism. This book is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a readable introduction to the often-conflicting interpretations of one of our era’s most complex and controversial ideas.

Review

“Clear and comprehensive, Jacques Berlinerblau’s Secularism: The Basics is a key contribution to a perennially important topic.”
Caroline Mala Corbin, University of Miami School of Law, USA

“Smart, original and provocative, Belinerblau’s book is essential reading for anyone who dares to use the word ‘secular’.”
Lori G. Beaman, University of Ottawa, Canada.
“This book is superb. Berlinerblau is careful, fair, and honest in his treatment of secularism and its many manifestations. He has compiled his decades of research on this topic into a short, clear, and very insightful volume. The chapter on leftist critiques of secularism should be mandatory reading for all scholars interested in secularism. Anyone who cares about this topic will need to be familiar with this book. This will be my go-to reference on secularism from now on.”
Ryan Cragun, University of Tampa, USA.
“What a rare combination of great scholarly expertise and the courage to simplify! This engagingly written book breaks down complex meanings of secularism, discusses its historical manifestations and current controversies and provides a fierce defence of its political relevance in today’s world.”
Johannes Quack, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
“Sharp, informative, insightful, engaging, accessible, authoritative – and beautifully cogent.”
Phil Zuckerman, Pitzer College, USA.

About the Author

Jacques Berlinerblau is Professor of Jewish Civilization in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, USA. He is the author of numerous books and scholarly articles on secularism.