Religion after Secularization in Australia [Hardcover]

 Religion's persistent and new visibility in political life has prompted a significant global debate. One of this debate's key features concerns the nature and impact of secularization. This collection of essays draws together leading sociologists, historians, philosophers of religion, and political theorists in order to provide a broad and up-to-date account of religion after secularization. Contributors explore the meaning and conceptual legacies of religion, as well as the unique features of the Australian case such as religion as it relates to law, education, gender, media, and radical political movements. Intervening in the current debate, this book provides summative accounts of the historical, cultural, and legal interactions that have informed Australias relationship to religion and secularization. Contributors critically analyze and engage with secular political theory concerning the public sphere, while also dissecting deliberative politics and democratic practices. This book propels the debate over religions place in public life in new directions and promotes urgently needed public understanding. 

This very welcome and interdisciplinary volume addresses both sides of the question. It presents, first, a variety of Australian perspectives on the past and possible futures of secularization. It offers, in addition, a theoretical contribution to questions of secularism, democracy, and modernity through a re-examination of key debates in philosophy, theology, and social theory. (Stephanie Wright, Reading Religion, readingreligion.org, May, 2016)

Paul Babie, Adelaide Law School, Australia;  Roland Boer, Renmin University, China;  Gary D. Bouma Monash University, Australia; Hilary M. Carey, University of Bristol, UK; Stephen A. Chavura, independent scholar, Australia;  Matthew Chrulew, Curtin University, Australia;  Michael Hoelzl, The University of MlĂ)