Here we host debates on values, ethics, philosophy, spirituality, religions, and belief systems. There has never been a more important time to understand ourselves and one another better.
God is not a Republican!or a Democrat
To create a fairer 21st century world, secular liberals must unite with progressive religious people of all faiths in a common cause, says Dave Belden.
Fight the good fights
The political message of the Chinese martial-arts epic ‘Hero’ makes Dave Belden worry: is this entertainment a form of totalitarian art?
Facing our demons
After almost two years and twenty–nine columns, Dave Belden is still exploring what it means for an agnostic to write about religion. But if the answers remain elusive, the need for dialogue across faith, unbelief and dogma has never been clearer.
From race to religion: the next deterrent law?
A lively openDemocracy exchange between philosopher Julian Baggini and journalist Nick Cohen exposed deep disagreements over the British government’s proposal to introduce a law banning religious hate-speech. Now, lawyer Geoffrey Bindman adjudicates the argument.
Should 'religious hatred' be illegal?
The British government is proposing to offer legal protection to those abused on religious grounds. The philosopher Julian Baggini and the journalist Nick Cohen agree that Muslims are at the heart of the new law, but vigorously dispute its principle and practicality.
Don't get <em>Left Behind</em>
The American left fears that government is in the hands of the religious right. The right fear that despite the best efforts of the conservative administration, they cannot reverse the tide of liberal social change. If they ever talked they would find that, unbeknownst to both sides, they are moving together not apart, says Dave Belden.
A bridge across fear: an interview with Tariq Ramadan
“I want to go beyond the perception that I am only different from you, or that difference is the beginning and the end.” In an interview of remarkable range and frankness, the influential Swiss–Egyptian philosopher, teacher and writer Tariq Ramadan talks to Rosemary Bechler of openDemocracy about his life’s project: bringing Muslims and Europe home to each other.
openDemocracy: What is the personal background to your attempt to elaborate a fully European Islam?
Tariq Ramadan: I come from a family where everything was drenched in I
What does 'spiritual' mean?
There are a great many sceptics who will one day be grateful for the legacy of at least one evangelical Christian. Dave Belden continues his dialogue with readers on the value of religion.
Reinventing Islam in Europe: a profile of Tariq Ramadan
The sophisticated exponent of a European Islam, Tariq Ramadan, articulates a project that speaks to a continent, and a faith, in transition. openDemocracy’s Rosemary Bechler encounters a complex mind on a restless journey.
New wine
Religion need not be the vehicle for a narrow, exclusive conformism. It can be the means for individuals to reconstitute themselves as whole human beings – and thus a route to social progress.
The left needs religion
Religion doesn’t have to mean repressive institutionalised mystification, it’s not even about God. It’s a way to organise a community around our core human values, and anyone interested in social change needs it.
Religion is good for this
Religion can bring hope, respect, salvation. Dave Belden, a non-believer, makes the case.
Kant's 'perpetual peace': utopia or political guide?
Amid the confusions of global security in the 21st century, can Immanuel Kant’s 209-year old vision of perpetual peace still provide illumination? A leading German analyst assesses its value in the age of pre-emptive war.
Everyone is afraid: the world according to Abou Jahjah
The charismatic leader, Dyab Abou Jahjah, is giving voice to a militant new form of Arab European identity. His Arab European League (AEL) is growing in Belgium, France and the Netherlands, and plans to expand across Europe. He demands that Europeans hear him and calls on Arabs to take the rights they feel they are denied. openDemocracy went to Antwerp to listen.
Between fire and sword: Antwerp's choice
Belgium’s historic, multicultural port city of Antwerp is the site of a bitter political contest involving the Flemish nationalist Vlaams Blok and the militant Arab European League supported by young people of Moroccan descent – with the city’s ancient Jewish community targeted by both. As European elections approach, Nick Ryan reports from Dyab Abou Jahjah’s backyard.
This week's editor
Europe from the bottom up
European debate
Democratic Wealth
Nuclear non-proliferation
oDRussia at journalismfestival .com
Mali - the plot thickens
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Remote control war
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Conference coverage from 50.50
Articles exploring the themes of the fourth international Nobel Women's Initiative conference May 28-31. Jennifer Allsopp and Heather McRobie will be reporting for 5050
Articles exploring the themes of the fourth international Nobel Women's Initiative conference May 28-31. Jennifer Allsopp and Heather McRobie will be reporting for 5050
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Dan Hancox Revel, Riot and Rebellion
Martin Rose Bliss Was It in that Dawn to Be Next Door
Vron Ware Up in Arms
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James Warner Standing Perpendicular, as books do
Markha Valenta Inter Alia: religion, politics, culture
Paul Rogers on Global security
Mary Kaldor on Human security
Lis Howell On broadcasting
Dan Hancox Revel, Riot and Rebellion
Martin Rose Bliss Was It in that Dawn to Be Next Door
Vron Ware Up in Arms
Jim Gabour Sunday Comics
James Warner Standing Perpendicular, as books do
Markha Valenta Inter Alia: religion, politics, culture
Paul Rogers on Global security
Mary Kaldor on Human security
