The Political Origins of Religious Liberty

Download or read book The Political Origins of Religious Liberty written by Anthony Gill and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2007-10-29 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout history, governments have attempted to control religious organizations and limit religious freedom. However, over the past two hundred years the world has witnessed an expansion of religious liberty. What explains this rise in religious freedom? Anthony Gill argues that political leaders are more likely to allow religious freedom when such laws affect their ability to stay in power, and/or when religious freedoms are seen to enhance the economic well-being of their country.