Faith and Secularism (Birthday Counterpoints) Book

The widest of all mental gaps is not between warring nations or religious groups - it is between those who believe and those who don't believe in a transcendental God. Secularism is almost universally seen as a central element in the 'modernity' package and many in the West go on to see religious belief as a primitive, residual stage on the road to modernity. Religious Muslims and Christians are equally distant from the secular mentality. Can secular and religious people communicate effectively across this gap? On what basis can they build trust? This collection of essays is one of ten celebrating the British Council's 70th anniversary by examining some of the most critical issues for the future of cultural relations. A wide range of thinkers provides provocative and stimulating visions of the power and importance of cultural relations in the 21st century. They don't look for agreement; their aim, and ours, is to encourage debate and cut new channels for dialogue.Read More