Beyond radical secularism
Book Description
In the wake of devastating terror attacks that shook France in 2015, philosopher Pierre Manent offers a profound meditation on faith, politics, and national identity in the modern West. This thoughtful essay examines how societies can navigate the complex relationship between religious tradition and secular governance without abandoning either their spiritual heritage or their commitment to pluralism.
Manent challenges the notion that radical secularism alone can provide the foundation for addressing contemporary religious and political tensions. Instead, he argues for recognizing France's deeper spiritual character, shaped by both Christian tradition and Jewish presence, while maintaining the secular state that protects all citizens. His approach seeks neither to diminish religious faith nor to retreat from democratic principles, but to find a path that honors both.
The author proposes what he calls a "social contract" that is simultaneously firm and welcoming, suggesting that integration need not require the complete abandonment of religious identity. Rather than viewing secularism and faith as irreconcilable opposites, Manent explores how societies can draw upon their spiritual resources while preserving the political frameworks that ensure freedom and equality.
This compact yet substantial work offers readers a nuanced perspective on one of our era's most pressing questions: how diverse religious communities can coexist within democratic societies while maintaining their distinct spiritual identities and shared civic commitments.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~3 hours)
📄 Length: 124 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Religion et politique
- ✓ Explore Social conditions
- ✓ Explore Secularism
- ✓ Explore France, religion
- ✓ Explore Politics and government
- ✓ Explore Muslims, france
- ✓ Explore Religion and culture
