Why Do Religious Forms Matter?: Reflections on Materialism, Toleration, and Public Reason

Pooyan Tamimi Arab explores the Early Modern roots and contemporary relevance of a materialist perspective on the politics of religious diversity, tracing it to Spinoza and Lockes political philosophy. He concludes with an inclusive reading of Rawls' ideal of public reason, which assumes forms of discourse to always be several.

Format: Hardback
Length: 139 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

In his insightful book "Why Do Religious Forms Matter?" Pooyan Tamimi Arab delves into the Early Modern origins and ongoing significance of a materialist approach to understanding the politics of religious diversity. Arab begins by highlighting the diverse manifestations of religions in various tangible aspects such as architecture, imagery, ritual objects, and unique modes of speech. Drawing from the insights of Spinoza, he traces the material-religion approach prevalent in anthropology and religious studies back to the philosopher. However, it is in Locke's political philosophy that forms take on a particularly significant role, particularly in the context of toleration, which Arab views as a neutrally applied civil right. Through contemporary case studies involving mosque construction, amplified calls to prayer, and the right to ritual slaughter, Arab explores how forms are intertwined with toleration.

Extending beyond the Enlightenment critique and toleration of religions, the book concludes with an inclusive interpretation of Rawls' ideal of public reason. Rawls posits that forms of discourse, whether religious or non-religious, should always be multiple. Thus, religious forms emerge as crucial to the very essence of liberal democracy.

In conclusion, "Why Do Religious Forms Matter?" offers a profound exploration of the relationship between religious forms, toleration, and liberal democracy. Through meticulous scholarship and thoughtful analysis, Arab provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape religious diversity and its impact on society. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of religion, politics, and social justice.

Weight: 341g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030957780
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022