Many Identities, Many Communities: Religious Freedom amidst Religious Diversity in Southeast Asia†

Religious Freedom and Economic Prosperity

The basic notion that an individual’s freedom to choose will advance society at large is a cornerstone of political philosophy and of the economic theory of the Western world. Early political philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and legendary economists such as Adam Smith have advocated a utilitarian approach to political and economic life, in which the advancement of one’s own interests also ...

For Religious Coexistence in Peace and Freedom

The Swiss Council of Religions decisively rejects the Minaret Initiative. The Council, which consists of leaders from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities, is dedicated to protecting religious peace in Switzerland and to strengthening trust among the churches and religious communities. The Minaret Initiative would bring about just the opposite. It instrumentalizes religion for politica...

Beyond Tolerance: Globalization, Freedom, and Religious Pluralism

If “Globalization” is to mean something other than imposing a single set of uniform, unexamined, and unchallengeable ideas on the entire human race, we must find ways to incorporate concepts of difference, freedom, and religious pluralism. If we are to build a truly human and humane global community, we must rethink (i) human nature (especially as regards the age-old search for spiritual values...

Living wills and religious communities.

Religious Communities and Human Flourishing

Participation in religious services is associated with numerous aspects of human flourishing, including happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships. Evidence for the effects of religious communities on these flourishing outcomes now comes from rigorous longitudinal study designs with extensive confounding...