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

Substack, “Back to Basics”

For the original English-language substack post, see https://open.substack.com/pub/hansmartientennapel/p/back-to-basics?r=9844n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true. Mijn substack van vorige jaarwisseling heette ‘A new direction’. Terugkijkend op het afgelopen jaar heeft dit motto langs drie lijnen handen en voeten gekregen: die van het natuurrechtelijk liberalisme, die van het postliberalisme en die van de godsdienstvrijheid.                                                                        -0-0-0- Wat de eerste lijn betreft, heb ik,… Continue reading Substack, “Back to Basics”

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, 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, 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”

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, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Essay “A Natural Law Basis for Human Rights?” on Canopy Forum

The opening paragraph of the essay reads as follows: "Attempts by the United States State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights to identify a subset of proper “unalienable rights” within the broader category of human rights are sometimes perceived as an almost reactionary effort. The adoption of a historical-philosophical perspective reveals that, on the contrary, even… Continue reading Essay “A Natural Law Basis for Human Rights?” on Canopy Forum

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