LIBERAL CONSCIENCE, THE

Combining discussions of political philosophy with real-world events, Lucas Swaine proposes solutions to the seemingly intractable conflict between liberalism and theocracy. He explores the nature and development of theocratic communities and the moral and political challenges they pose to liberal societies. Calling upon liberals to redefine and reassert the fundamental importance of liberty of conscience, Swaine argues that liberal societies can reinvigorate their own traditions while also assuaging religious conflict. Liberalism will become more appealing to the values and concerns of theocrats if liberals modify and clarify the commitment to freedom of conscience and take a fresh approach to conceptualizing and promulgating their principles, institutions, and laws. By opening a dialogue between theocracy and liberalism and offering strategies for interacting with politically ambitious theocrats, Swaine offers a new and vital perspective on the role of religion in liberal, multicultural societies.