Faith, Freedom, and Family: New Studies in Law and Religion

Faith, freedom, and family are the foundation of a good life and a just society, but they have suffered seismic shocks from religious pluralism, political changes, and new conceptions of marriage. This volume retrieves legal and theological teachings to strengthen and integrate them anew, highlighting the work of scholars and defending the place of faith in law, politics, and society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 812 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2022
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

Faith, freedom, and family are the pillars of a good life and a just society. However, this foundation has been shaken by vibrant religious pluralism, profound political changes, and new conceptions of marriage. This volume seeks to reclaim the major legal and theological teachings that have shaped these institutions and propose ways to strengthen and integrate them anew.

Part I explores the work of scholars of law and religion who have defined and defended the role of faith in law, politics, and society. These scholars highlight the importance of faith in promoting social harmony, justice, and human dignity. They also address the challenges posed by secularism and religious extremism and advocate for a nuanced and inclusive approach to faith-based institutions.

Part II documents the development of freedom in the West and confronts the attacks of skeptics of modern rights. The authors argue that freedom is not merely a Western concept but a universal human right that encompasses the right to speech, expression, and assembly. They also address the challenges of discrimination, inequality, and authoritarianism and advocate for the protection of human rights and the promotion of democracy.

Part III reaffirms the family as a cornerstone of faith and freedom historically and today. The authors argue that the family is not merely a social institution but a spiritual and emotional bond that connects individuals to their roots and to one another. They also address the challenges posed by modernity, such as divorce rates, single-parent families, and same-sex marriage, and advocate for policies that promote family stability and support.

Opening essays by the editors and closing interviews of the author place Witte's work in biographical and intellectual context and map some of the new frontiers and challenges of faith, freedom, and family around the globe. The authors discuss the role of faith in promoting social cohesion, the importance of freedom in protecting human rights, and the challenges of reconciling traditional values with modern realities.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the relationship between faith, freedom, and family. It provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of religion in society and offers practical solutions for strengthening and integrating these institutions in the face of contemporary challenges.

Weight: 1201g
ISBN-13: 9783161608766