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Single Idea 22266

[filed under theme 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 2. Religion in Society ]

Full Idea

Unless there were reason to believe that religious beliefs and practices contribute to morally admirable ways of life, the case for a right to religious liberty would be weakened.

Gist of Idea

The case for religious liberty depends on the religion contributing to a morally good life

Source

Michael J. Sandel (The Limits of Communitarianism [1998], 'Religious')

Book Ref

Sandel,Michael J.: 'Public Philosophy: Essays' [Harvard 2005], p.257


A Reaction

I think many religious people would deny that their religion is primarily moral. (W.Blake: 'If morality is Christianity, then Socrates was the saviour'). Whose concept of a morally good life is Sandel referring to?


The 4 ideas from 'The Limits of Communitarianism'

If persons define themselves by a group membership, insults to that group are a real harm [Sandel]
In the liberal view an insult to my group doesn't hurt me, since I'm defined by choices not groups [Sandel]
The case for religious liberty depends on the religion contributing to a morally good life [Sandel]
I can't defend the view that the majority values of a community are thereby right [Sandel]