Derrida and the danger of religion

Journal article


Newheiser, David. (2018). Derrida and the danger of religion. Journal of the American Academy of Religion. 86(1), pp. 42 - 61. https://doi.org/10.1093/jaarel/lfx026
AuthorsNewheiser, David
Abstract

This paper argues that Jacques Derrida provides a compelling rebuttal to a secularism that seeks to exclude religion from the public sphere. Political theorists such as Mark Lilla claim that religion is a source of violence, and so they conclude that religion and politics should be strictly separated. In my reading, Derrida’s work entails that a secularism of this kind is both impossible (because religion remains influential in the wake of secularization) and unnecessary (because religious traditions are diverse and multivalent). Some attempt to contain the disruptive force of religion by excluding it from the public sphere, but Derrida argues that one may endure instability for the sake of something more important than safety. Although Derrida admits that religion is dangerous, he demonstrates that it is nevertheless an indispensable resource for political reflection.

Year2018
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Religion
Journal citation86 (1), pp. 42 - 61
PublisherOxford University Press
ISSN1477-4585
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1093/jaarel/lfx026
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85046432329
Page range42 - 61
Research GroupInstitute for Religion and Critical Inquiry
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited States of America
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