The New Religious Intolerance

The New Religious Intolerance examines the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States and Europe following the September 11 attacks. Nussbaum analyzes historical examples and contemporary cases of religious discrimination, with particular focus on controversies surrounding Islamic dress and mosque construction. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, and political theory, Nussbaum investigates how fear and anxiety drive prejudice against religious minorities. She presents principles and frameworks for evaluating policies that restrict religious expression, using examples from multiple faiths and time periods to illustrate her arguments. The book challenges readers to confront their own biases while presenting a methodology for more equitable treatment of religious differences in democratic societies. Through examination of historical parallels and constitutional principles, Nussbaum builds a case for protecting religious liberty while maintaining security and social cohesion. This work speaks to fundamental questions about religious freedom, democracy, and human dignity in an increasingly interconnected world. The arguments presented offer insights into how societies can balance competing rights and interests when addressing religious differences.

Readers found Nussbaum's analysis of religious fear and bias to be methodical and grounded in historical examples. Many appreciated her examination of specific cases like the European burqa bans and the Park51 Islamic center controversy. Liked: - Clear framework for examining religious prejudice - Use of philosophical concepts made accessible - Balance of academic rigor with readable prose - Concrete policy recommendations Disliked: - Some sections repeat arguments extensively - Focus primarily on Islam/Muslim examples - Academic tone can be dry in parts - Limited discussion of other religious conflicts Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (246 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Offers practical tools for examining our own biases" - Goodreads reviewer "Too focused on defending Islam rather than exploring intolerance broadly" - Amazon reviewer "Her principles for religious freedom are compelling but the writing is dense" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Martha Nussbaum wrote this book partly in response to the 2010 controversy over Park51 (the "Ground Zero Mosque"), using it as a case study to examine modern religious prejudice. 🔹 The author draws extensively from Enlightenment philosopher John Locke's "Letter Concerning Toleration" (1689) to analyze contemporary religious conflicts and propose solutions. 🔹 Nussbaum identifies "fear" as a key driver of religious intolerance, explaining how it can transform from a natural emotion into destructive political force. 🔹 The book examines European bans on Muslim dress, particularly comparing them to historical restrictions on Jewish religious practices to reveal patterns of discrimination. 🔹 While serving as a Professor at both the University of Chicago Law School and Philosophy Department, Nussbaum has been consistently ranked among the world's most influential living philosophers.