Suchergebnisse

Explores the notion that there is a perceived imbalance in governmental support for religious vs secularist worldviews in Australia. Discussion opens with an explanation of political secularism that focuses on policy options rather than the concept itself; a political secularist preoccupation with church-state separation is noted. In looking at separation in the realms of education & charities, various political secularist ideological assumptions are identified. Attention is given to the Special Religious Education debate; structural pluralism as the theoretical policy framework in play in Victoria; & a typology for the democratic governance of religious diversity. It is asserted that Australian political secularists are now seeing the value in lobbying for rather than simply articulating their agenda. D. Edelman

Examines the impact of religion on Australia's 2004 federal election & the nature of the religious debate in light of the increase in insecurity since 11 September 2001. Although political appeals to "Christian tribalism" have recently been successful in Australian politics, it is contended that they have the potential to strain inter-religious harmony, aggravate tensions between Islam & the West, & promote secularist demands for a strict separation of church & state. The issue of state funding for denominational schools is discussed, along with public reactions to Treasurer Peter Costello's emphasis on the importance of "faith" in people's lives; the role of evangelical Christians in the federal election campaign; recent challenges to the traditional opinion that churches shouldn't get involved in partisan politics; the post 9/11 focus on religious issues by cultic religious groups; & the erosion of respect for mainstream churches. The biggest problem facing democratic pluralism is said to be fundamentalism of any religious persuasion, not just Islamic fundamentalism, & suggestions are made for ways to limit its political impact. J. Lindroth