Religion and the Modern Government: Is Neutrality Still an Option?
A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2025 | Viewed by 1542
Special Issue Editor
Interests: epistemology; the ethics of belief; intellectual history; religious pluralism; philosphy; religions
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The intersection between the state and religion continues to be a fruitful area of research. There are growing calls for a return to religious influence on government agencies, or for there to be an official state morality that affects censorship of the press.
The aim fo this special issue of Religions is to bring together expert research that reflects on the changing dynamics of religion and government, religion and the public sphere, or and religion and the pluralistic state.
Since the Peace of Westphalia (1648), Western governments have protected religious minorities within their boundaries. After the American Revolution, this extended to include freedom of religion and non-establishment. The French and Communist Revolutions were more specifically atheist and anti-religion. The twentieth century saw many predictions calling for the end of religion entirely. However, the influence of religion on Western governments seems to be regaining strength. This special issue will explore the challenges and implications surrounding this resurgence.
Suggested themes and topics for articles include but are not limited to the following: Does religion have any role in government? Does the First Amendment require governmental atheism? Is it possible for governments to remain religiously neutral? Papers examining these and related topics are welcome.
Prof. Dr. Owen Anderson
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- religious neutrality
- First Amendment
- populism
- nationalism
- methodological atheism
- established church
- Federalist papers
- religious morality
- natural law
- natural theology
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