Research Papers - Education and Culture

Theology, science and the problem of ID

Simon Barrow — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:17:10 +0000

This paper briefly sets out the religious, philosophical and political context of both the 2007 government guidelines on science teaching and the recent report and statement of the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR), explaining why 'intelligent design' (ID), popular among some religious groups, is neither sound science nor good theology. It includes notes, an overview of 2005-7 Ekklesia comments on creationism and ID, and a select bibliography.

Simon Barrow

Rethinking religion in an open society

Simon Barrow — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:43:16 +0000

Though the role of religion in society has come back onto the agenda with a vengeance in recent years, the political, spiritual and intellectual resources at our disposal for handling the issues involved seem perilously thin on all sides in public life. This paper aims to reconstruct some key terms in the debate and to offer a positive case for a 'disestablished' form for religion within a plural social and political order. In particular it suggests that the alternative to hegemonic religion or attempts to exclude religion from public life lies in the rediscovery of an alternative form of politics rooted in practical 'goods' and 'virtues' derived from different communities and traditions, accompanied by the development of a 'civil state' framework.

Simon Barrow

Religion and Secularism Network

Simon Barrow — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:00:38 +0100

The Religion and Secularism Network is coordinating a programme of lectures and workshops taking place at the University of Cambridge and elsewhere - aiming to clarify the relationship between the state and religion conceptually and empirically. It is funded under the AHRC/ESRC Religion and Society Workshop. It is coordinated by David Lehmann, John Barber, Humeira Iqtidar and Emile Perreau-Saussine. This is a project Ekklesia is participating in rather than running. We are endorsing, supporting and collaborating in it as part of our own research/discussion programme on inclusive models of secularity and the challenge of post-Christendom - Reconsidering the Secular.

Ekklesia Staff

Current Research: Reconsidering the secular

Ekklesia Staff — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:49:59 +0100

A research project with a number of overlapping elements, including cooperation with academic and civic bodies, looking at the development of an inclusive vision of secularity in the public square - one which creates space and a level playing field for the widest range of protagonists, both religious and non-religious.

Ekklesia Staff

United We Stand: A report on current conflicts between Christian Unions and Students' Unions

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 17:46:59 +0000

A small number of of Christian Unions based in British Universities are in very public disputes with SUs which have made national headlines. Ekklesia’s investigation and research suggest that there is no overriding intent by SUs to ban or suppress Christianity or the preaching of the Christian faith. Many want to encourage CUs to be active and prominent members of Student life and engage fully with university institutions. They also seek the protection of Christians, as they do other religious groups on campus. Indeed, many SUs have Christians on their executives. Ekklesia has identified significant common ground between the parties involved. This report offers a concise overview of the points of contention, an analysis, as well as recommendations for finding a way forward.

Jordan Tchilingirian

Faith and Politics After Christendom

Press Office — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 18:15:18 +0100

This book examines the changing relationship between faith and politics. For the best part of 1700 years, the institutional church has enjoyed a hand-in-hand relationship with government. Indeed, the church has often been seen as the glue that has stopped political systems from disintegrating into anarchy. But in this post-Christendom era the relation of Church and State has weakened to the point where the church can no longer claim to play any significant part in Government. What does the future hold? Where is it all heading? What should be done in the face of radicalised religion?

Jonathan Bartley

Rethinking hate speech, blasphemy and free expression

Simon Barrow — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:52:16 +0100

A short paper about the issues raised by the Government's Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, looking at blasphemy and the place of religion in public life.

Simon Barrow