Beyond Radical Secularism

SinopseBeyond Radical Secularism

Beyond Radical Secularism (2015) by Pierre Manent explores the political and spiritual challenges posed by radical Islam to France and Europe, gaining increased relevance after the Paris terrorist attacks. Manent critiques radical secularism, arguing that it lacks the resources to address the "Islamic challenge." He proposes a "social contract" with French Muslims, allowing them to preserve cultural traditions—with exceptions like the full-face veil and polygamy—in exchange for acknowledging France's Christian and Jewish heritage and accepting religious criticism.

Manent emphasizes the need for the West to regain confidence in the nation as the foundation of democratic self-governance. He advocates for coexistence between the liberal state and the Christian and Jewish roots of European society as key to confronting Islamism with both realism and hope. The book highlights the importance of faith in transcendent principles and the "primacy of the Good" to restore Europe's moral and political action.