Suchergebnisse

The present paper seeks 'to explore the nature of Indian secularism, the difficulties it has run into, and the ways in which it may be revised'. This is a large undertaking for a short text, originally written as public lecture, particularly because the issues posed do nopt readily translate into plain questions. The most that I can hope to do is to raise some doubts and make a few suggestions for rethinking the issues involved.

Examines the experience of Indonesia as a prime example of Islam's compatibility with democracy. The three main schools of thought in Islam regarding the relation between religion & state are described, along with equally controversial views within the Muslim world in regard to the relation between Islam & democracy. Although most Indonesians are Muslims, the nation's founders believed Indonesia should not be a theocratic state, but should uphold patriotic, humanitarian, & religious values. Religion is important in the private lives of the people, but they acknowledge diversity, & are basically egalitarian in their outlook, a necessary ingredient for democracy. It is noted that one of the five guiding principles upon which the Republic of Indonesia is based recognizes the existence of Almighty God, but religion functions as a moral support, not a state ideology. The emergence of political parties is examined as an indication of a healthy democracy. It is contended that Indonesia exemplifies a nation in which religion plays a vital social/moral role while remaining outside the power struggles of the political sphere. J. Lindroth