Religious Freedom and the Politics of Proselytism

For more on this event, visit: http://bit.ly/liycvq
For more on the Berkley Center, visit: http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu

April 29, 2011 | Proselytism has emerged as an increasingly important international political issue. What is the relationship between religious freedom and the freedom to proselytize? In her presentation Jean Bethke Elshtain argued that the two are inseparable. For religious pluralism to be robust it must encompass not just religious diversity and interaction but also include efforts to knowingly and determinedly set out to change someone else's mind about something basic to his or her identity and self-definition. We must acknowledge the power imbalances and mutual suspicions that often accompany efforts to win converts through transnational activity. But to restrict proselytism, through mandatory or self-imposed measures, is to restrict free speech. Nothing should compromise open dialogue within and across traditions in a spirit of truth.

Видео Religious Freedom and the Politics of Proselytism канала Berkley Center