Issues of faith and politics are always a bit controversial, and even emotive. What’s more, the issues are complex, as we all have working (often conflicting) worldviews. So its always with some trepidation that the writers of this blog turn to the topic.
Yet it remains an important topic to address, particularly in multicultural and liberal societies. It is very easy to unintentionally patronise those of other faiths and views - all the more so if we are pluralists - and recently, in the western world, debates in these areas have become polarised and shrill. This is understandable: these topics touch on the greatest and most encompassing questions that humanity can ask.
However, we at PWF hold firmly to two beliefs in this area:
Firstly, the importance of free disagreement. As Voltaire put it: ‘I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’ This sometimes seems a forgotten virtue.
Secondly, we believe that views must be treated with equal respect and rigour. That is: no review should be rejected out of hand. It is not uncommon on internet discussions to read: “Only idiots believe X. I don’t debate with idiots. Since you are expounding X, therefore I will not debate with you.” This is the height of closed minded thinking - and the height of idiocy. That views must be treated with equal rigour means that we believe in people’s right to reject views (and even to condemn them), but only when this is based on an examination of what has been said. Prejudice and assumption ruin debates on blogs.
With these things in mind, our posts are just a contribution to the wider discussion. We hope they are respectful, but if they accidentally offend you, we’re very sorry. Please join the debate, but do be respectful.
