Radical Religion: Contemporary Perspectives on Religion and the Left

(Paperback)

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The political Left has had a turbulent relationship with religion, from outright hostility to attempts to meld religious faith with progressivism. Confronted with contemporary social ills, the progressive Left continues to disagree about the role that religion should play, whether in understanding social challenges and solutions, or stimulating social critique and reform. Radical Religion presents valuable insights, from both religious and secular perspectives, for progressives today as they struggle to formulate a coherent agenda and effective strategies for social change. This book presents arguments from a diverse group of scholars, and offers a snapshot of contemporary, progressive thinking about religion.

Reviews

In this volume renowned scholars and emerging authorities of wide-ranging perspectives offer fresh insights on the rich relationship between religion and the Left. By turns inspiring and thought-provoking, these essays remind us how vital religious thought and spiritual commitment have been to the progressive tradition-and how indispensable they remain to its renewal. -- Joseph A. McCartin, Georgetown University
This book is strong evidence that progressives are far from bereft of challenging ideas, critical and self-critical analyses, and compelling visions of a more just and democratic society. It is a critical resource for people of good faith, secular and religious, who fight for social justice. It is a strong antidote to the superficial, mendacious, and ill-tempered public discourse that prevails today. It engages us at a profound nexus of religion and politics that can equip us with a more rooted and confident solidarity to face the difficult struggles ahead. -- Jim Sessions, President, Working America Education Fund and Executive Director, Interfaith Worker Justice of East Tennessee

Author Bio

Benjamin J. Pauli is a lecturer in political science at Rutgers University.