Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Coming Soon: Volume on “Culture, Secularization and Democracy. Lessons from Alexis de Tocqueville”

"Following the approach developed by Alexis de Tocqueville, this volume views democracy as a cultural phenomenon. It starts from the assumption that if we are to adequately address concerns about the current state and future of modern Western democracies, we need first to tackle the cultural preconditions necessary for the functioning of a democracy. Since… Continue reading Coming Soon: Volume on “Culture, Secularization and Democracy. Lessons from Alexis de Tocqueville”

Comparative Constitutional Law, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Contribution to Symposium “Rethinking Human Rights” at Law & Liberty

I was pleased to contribute to this excellent symposium. "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was ratified 75 years ago on December 10, 1948. How the world understands universal human rights has changed significantly in that time. In this symposium, several Law & Liberty contributors consider the nature of universal human rights, what is necessary to uphold… Continue reading Contribution to Symposium “Rethinking Human Rights” at Law & Liberty

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Upcoming Speaking Engagement: Conference, “Religious Freedom and other Human Rights: Threats and Trends,” Toruń​, Poland, 31 May-2 June 2023

"The conference will be organized within the project 'Laboratory of Religious Freedom' implemented by the Pro Futuro Theologiae Foundation functioning at the Faculty of Theology of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. The conference aims at discussing the main issues related to the protection and promotion of religious freedom at the intersection with other human rights. (...) The event will feature many legal,… Continue reading Upcoming Speaking Engagement: Conference, “Religious Freedom and other Human Rights: Threats and Trends,” Toruń​, Poland, 31 May-2 June 2023

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Chapter on “Natural Law and the Future of Human Rights”

Today marks the publication date of the volume Human Rights at Risk. Global Governance, American Power, and the Future of Dignity (New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark, New Jersey, and London: Rutgers University Press). The synopsis of this volume, edited by Salvador Santino F. Regilme Jr. and Irene Hadiprayitno, reads as follows: "Human Rights at Risk… Continue reading Chapter on “Natural Law and the Future of Human Rights”

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Chair, Author Meets Critique panel, Catholic Cosmopolitanism and Human Rights

Next Thursday, I have the pleasure of moderating a book panel on Dr. Leonard Taylor's book Catholic Cosmopolitanism and Human Rights (Cambridge University Press, 2020). The panel takes place during the hybrid annual conference of the European Academy of Religion. On the back cover, I wrote the following recommendation at the time: 'Catholic cosmopolitanism has… Continue reading Chair, Author Meets Critique panel, Catholic Cosmopolitanism and Human Rights

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Summer reading and work in progress

Here is some of my summer reading for a new book after I finished my current list. The books stem from a list of introductory texts in natural law, Roman law, canon law, and legal history. Several other titles are on my Kindle; just Javier Hervada is rather tricky to get by here. The book… Continue reading Summer reading and work in progress

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Author’s response to my review of “What’s Wrong with Rights?”

Last February, I had the pleasure of reviewing Prof. Nigel Biggar’s important new book. Prof. Biggar is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford and Director of the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life. We met in the early stages of writing What’s Wrong with Rights when he… Continue reading Author’s response to my review of “What’s Wrong with Rights?”

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics

Essay “Is Nigel’s Biggar’s ‘What’s Wrong with Rights?’ sufficiently realistic?” on Canopy Forum

The opening paragraph of the essay reads as follows: "What’s Wrong with Rights is a superb book. If there is one subject that lends itself to interdisciplinary research, it is that of human rights. To the extent that lawyers have ever been able to claim a monopoly, those days are now well behind us. In this… Continue reading Essay “Is Nigel’s Biggar’s ‘What’s Wrong with Rights?’ sufficiently realistic?” on Canopy Forum

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As for so many, 2020 has been unique and, in some ways, a tough year. Nevertheless, professionally, there are (again) reasons to be thankful. The following ten highlights may illustrate this: - the collaboration with Prof. Sophie van Bijsterveld of the Radboud University Nijmegen in the realization of a Dutch-language volume on ideas for state and… Continue reading Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Pentecost Podcast: “Taking Stock”

I recorded this Pentecost Podcast, entitled “Taking Stock,” to update everyone who takes an interest in my work-in-progress. There is much more to come in later editions of the podcast that I am currently planning. There will be thematic podcasts, podcasts in different languages, a podcast in which I will be talking with a guest,… Continue reading Pentecost Podcast: “Taking Stock”