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

Reflection paper by Richard Ekins, “Some features of liberalism in a censorious age.”

It has long been my intention to draw occasional attention in this place to the work of colleagues at home and abroad that inspires me. This exceptional paper by Richard Ekins provides a good opportunity to put this intention into practice finally. Richard Ekins is a Professor of Law and Constitutional Government at the University… Continue reading Reflection paper by Richard Ekins, “Some features of liberalism in a censorious age.”

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

Article, ‘Why Europe needs a more post-liberal theory of religious liberty’

The abstract of the article reads as follows: What is the attitude of European courts toward institutional religious autonomy? Their case law shows a mixed picture, with the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion sometimes weighing less heavily than other interests. One illustrative example is the recent ruling of the Court of Justice… Continue reading Article, ‘Why Europe needs a more post-liberal theory of religious liberty’

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

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2022!

Americans do this at Thanksgiving, and it is a beautiful tradition. However, I am only "half-American," so I feel the need to express my special gratitude at this time of the year towards: - Leiden University that made most of the things below possible and also allowed me this year to exchange views with a… Continue reading Merry Christmas and a Happy 2022!

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

Article ‘A sense of reality is required: the European People’s Party as a bridge between Tradition and modernity’

The latest edition of the Montesquieu Institute's newsletter, De Hofvijver, contains a section on 'Forty Years of the Dutch Christian Democratic Appeal,' which also includes a contribution from my hand. This contribution, entitled 'Realiteitszin gevraagd: de Europese Volkspartij als brug tussen Traditie en moderniteit,' tries to build a bridge between my earlier work as a… Continue reading Article ‘A sense of reality is required: the European People’s Party as a bridge between Tradition and modernity’

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”

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

Easter Podcast: “Lifelines”

I recorded this Easter Podcast, entitled "Lifelines," for all my followers and friends on social media who take an interest in my work-in-progress, and whom I dearly miss in this time of quarantine and cancelations. Easter Podcast " "Lifelines"Download

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

Critique of my recent article on the LSE Religion and Global Society interdisciplinary blog

Prof. Pryor (Campbell University) just published this fair and knowledgeable critique of my recent article on the London School of Economics Religion and Global Society interdisciplinary blog on 'The Natural Law and Natural Rights Tradition: A Foundation for Religious Freedom': Natural Rights, Natural Law, and a Conservative Renewal. From his blog post: "Ten Napel recognizes… Continue reading Critique of my recent article on the LSE Religion and Global Society interdisciplinary blog

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

‘Review Essay: Theological Medicine for Liberal Democracy’, in Journal of Markets & Morality, Vol. 22, No. 1 (Spring 2019)

Photo Credit: Seth Thompson, © 2017 Green Frog Photo   'Abstract As Smith points out, the genealogy of liberal democracy demonstrates that liberalism is nothing less than the prodigal son of Christianity. Thus, it becomes plausible that Christianity has a continuing role to play in a liberal democracy. Smith might even be right that it is… Continue reading ‘Review Essay: Theological Medicine for Liberal Democracy’, in Journal of Markets & Morality, Vol. 22, No. 1 (Spring 2019)

Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Blogpost ‘The Political Theology of Thierry Baudet’

Governments have historically relied on metaphysical sources for their legitimacy. The French Revolution intended to put an end to this. However, with the current rise of populism, among other things, we are witnessing a revival of political theology. Read the whole blogpost here: https://leidenlawblog.nl/articles/the-political-theology-of-thierry-baudet. See also: