Politics & Religion

Thomas Jefferson, champion of religious liberty, whose Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom laid the foundation for the separation of church and state.
BooksPolitics & Religion

Religious Liberty and the Religions of the World

About the book The Opening of the Protestant Mind by Mark Valeri, published by Oxford University Press in 2023

By Mark Valeri 14 Min Read
The Evolving Nature Views of the Religious Right
The influence of the Religious Right in the January 6th Capitol attack can be seen in how some of its members joined the assault, driven by a mix of religious fervor and extreme political beliefs. Photo by Tyler Merbler .
BooksPolitics & Religion
17 Min Read
Rethinking Secularism from the Global South
Secularism-Artists Pawan Shukla and Veer Chandra, with the help of common people, created a 35-foot high map of India from 2.5 tons of iron. After 101 days of protests, the Delhi police removed materials put up by the protesters over the last 101 days, including artistic banners, this large standing map of India, and a model of the India Gate. This creative expression from the Global South highlights the region's unity and resilience.
BooksPolitics & Religion
12 Min Read
Legal Protections for Religious Diversity: Gaps and Challenges
A group of Rohingya refugees, with a woman in a green headscarf prominently in the foreground. The image highlights the plight of the Rohingya people, a minority group from Myanmar, many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring countries. They face significant challenges, including limited legal protection and uncertain living conditions.
Politics & Religion
26 Min Read
France’s Secularism: Navigating Security and Rights
In the image, a woman wearing a black burqa is sitting on a white, rocky surface. This visual contrast highlights the tensions between religious traditions and the concept of secularism, which seeks the separation of religion and state, promoting a society where individual beliefs do not interfere with public governance or civil rights.
BooksPolitics & Religion
9 Min Read
Laïcité’s Veil: French Identity in Debate
A French Muslim woman looks directly at the camera, wearing a hijab designed with the colors of the French flag. The image captures a moment of pride and cultural expression within the context of laïcité, reflecting the integration of religious diversity within France's secular framework.
BooksPolitics & Religion
14 Min Read
The Political Theology of the Communist Party of Albania
The image depicts a sculpture with clear connotations to political theology. It shows two figures, an adult with a contemplative expression and classical features, and a child-like figure that seems to be interacting with the adult. The adult's detailed hair and traditional garb suggest a figure of historical or religious significance, possibly a representation of a saint or philosopher, which aligns with the themes of political theology. The smaller figure, with its angelic appearance, could symbolize divine inspiration or influence. This composition evokes political theology's examination of the interplay between religious or divine principles and secular governance.
Politics & Religion
14 Min Read
White Christian Nationalism’s Threat to American Democracy
The image displays a close-up of two hands clasped together in solidarity or unity. In the background, there is a blurred flag featuring a cross, which may symbolize Christian nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to merge Christian and national identities. The flag seems to take center stage in a gathering, suggesting a public demonstration or political event where Christian symbols are being used in a nationalistic context.
BooksPolitics & Religion
7 Min Read
Christian Identity: Race & Religious Ideologies Intertwined
A group of individuals with flags and banners, one prominently featuring the name "JESUS", standing before a significant building that appears to be the U.S. Capitol. This scene could be associated with the events of January 6, 2021, where the intersection of political activism, religious fervor, and nationalist sentiment were visibly on display. The presence of religious symbolism, such as the "JESUS" banner, suggests the involvement of certain groups that may blend their political views with their religious beliefs, which aligns with ideologies like those propagated by the Christian Identity movement.
Politics & Religion
13 Min Read
The Conservative Crusade Against “Gender Ideology”
Participants in the 2018 March for Life in Peru, holding banners and flags as part of the 'Con mis Hijos no te Metas' movement, demonstrating against gender ideology.
Politics & Religion
10 Min Read
Christian Heritage: Shaping Europe’s Populist Discourse
The Rassemblement National emphasizes Christian heritage as central to France's identity and values. Blandine Le Cain
Politics & Religion
8 Min Read
Christian Globalism: Bridging Distant Ties
Volunteers participate in 'Operation Christmas Child', a manifestation of Christian globalism, at a large warehouse. They are busy packing donation boxes intended for children globally, reflecting the charitable spirit and community engagement of the holiday season.
BooksPolitics & Religion
11 Min Read
Satanic Symbolism: Reshaping Norms and Culture
Illustration by Gustave Doré for John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' 1866, featuring satanic symbolism
Politics & Religion
14 Min Read
Secular Balance in Multicultural India
A Naga Sadhu and other Sadhus in traditional saffron attire embody a secular balance, meditating and discussing spirituality amidst simple earthly possessions at a religious camp in India.
Politics & Religion
12 Min Read
Satanism and Political Activism: The Complex Nexus
Statue of Baphomet with children, a symbol used in modern Satanism and political activism, representing duality and knowledge.
Politics & Religion
15 Min Read
Religious Diversity: The Urgency for a Post-Secular Shift
A Celebration of Religious Diversity with The Most Rev. Francisco González, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, and Dr. Ingrid Mattson at the Washington National Cathedral. Photo by Donovan Marks.
Politics & Religion
12 Min Read

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Thomas Jefferson, champion of religious liberty, whose Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom laid the foundation for the separation of church and state.
Religious Liberty and the Religions of the World
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Recent Analysis

The image shows President Donald Trump preparing to sign a plaque along the Texas-Mexico border wall in January 2021. This act symbolizes nativist ideology, emphasizing the protection of national identity by reinforcing borders and justifying strict measures against perceived outsiders. The border wall itself became a key symbol of nativism, reflecting efforts to maintain a homogeneous national identity.

The Political Psychology of Nativism

Karel J. Leyva By Karel J. Leyva 14 Min Read
The image depicts a populist movement, with Le Pen often associated with right-wing populism in France.

The Populism Trap: Discontents and Challenges to Democracy

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This image captures the striking contrast between the simple, traditional life of an Amish girl and the broader ideals of liberal democracy, emphasizing individual freedom and modernity. Explore how these two worlds coexist and the values they represent.

Liberal Democracy and Illiberal Minorities

Karel J. Leyva By Karel J. Leyva 32 Min Read