Erecting the Barrier: Creating the New Liberal Compact on Religion

Abstract:     
In this new book, "Constantine's Standard," I want to explore the relationship between religion, violence, politics and law - specifically, how the liberal political tradition has approached the problem (the liberal compact), how that approach was historically conditioned by Western culture, and how it needs to be adapted to address contemporary challenges to peace and stability associated with religion.

Chapter Three, "Erecting the Liberal Barrier: Creating the New Liberal Compact on Religion," reviews the work of the Enlightenment in crafting the new liberal compact on religion. Focusing on the work of Hobbes, Locke and Madison, as key representative thinkers, the chapter highlights the political and social context in which these thinkers worked, the problems they were attempting to address, and the contributions they made to the ultimate shape and content of the liberal compact.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 29

Keywords: Hobbes, Locke, Madison, faction, religious freedom, religion and violence, terrorism, liberalism, conflict resolution, inquisition, crusade

JEL Classification: K10, K14, K33, K42

Accepted Paper Series