Religion and Polarization: Various Relations and How to Contribute Positively Rather than Negatively
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
The theme of this Essay is that in our present culture, we need badly to understand and accept those who see things differently from ourselves, and to afford people some latitude not to directly violate their deepest convictions. For example, those with religious convictions that marriage should be between men and women need to see why those with gay sexual inclinations feel strongly they are entitled to equal treatment and the latter need not reject as deeply prejudicial all those whose religious convictions lead them to subscribe to the more limited, unwise, historical view about marriage. This understanding on both sides bears strongly on what exemptions, if any, should be granted from nondiscrimination requirements. A related major subject of the essay is exploration of the idea of public reasons, and the degree to which they can realistically and appropriately limit how far officials and citizens reach conclusions on political issues. Again, what is very important is that we be realistic about how people do reach their conclusions and not be intolerant of those who arrive at different positions.
Disciplines
Law | Religion Law
Recommended Citation
Kent Greenawalt,
Religion and Polarization: Various Relations and How to Contribute Positively Rather than Negatively,
20
Lewis & Clark L. Rev.
1157
(2017).
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/faculty_scholarship/3202