---

What could be better than a discussion of international religious liberty combined with banjo music? Prof. Robert P. George of Princeton University discusses his role on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), various threats to the universal rights of conscience around the globe, and how he views the theory of natural law in his policy work. While this is a very serious and heavy topic, we lighten things up at the very end as Robby entertains us with some banjo pickin’ with his band, Blue Heart.

Please tell a friend that we have over 200 free educational episodes in our archives. You are sure to find many additional conversations to your liking.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Mark David Hall returns for his fourth stint on Research on Religion’s July 4th celebration with yet more interesting insights into religious during the U.S. revolutionary era. This time Mark discusses the role played by religious minorities including Jews, Quakers, Baptists, and even Muslims.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Battles over property rights are one of the hottest topics in religious liberty litigation today. ADF lawyer Jordan Lorence discusses four current cases involving the ability of churches to rent public school space in New York City, an overdue tax bill for a church that is supposedly tax exempt, the size of signs advertising worship services, and a minimum acreage requirement for a small congregation.

Help us reach 500 fans on our Facebook Page by June! Click the Facebook logo in the right hand column and stay up-to-date with upcoming episodes.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

An often overlooked aspect of the rise of religious freedom in the 17th and 18th centuries was the role of Dutch toleration for religious dissent. Prof. Evan Haefeli of Columbia University documents the critical role that the Netherlands played in fostering religious tolerance in the Low Countries and how this translated across the Atlantic Ocean in the colonial territory they held in the Americas for a half century. He offers a surprising conclusion on what the political-religious landscape would have looked like in post-colonial America had the Dutch been able to retain possession of their territories into the 18th century.

Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes at no cost! Be sure to listen weekly to keep your subscription up-to-date.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

What is the history behind, and issues relevant to, the upcoming Supreme Court Case involving Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties that will decide whether the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is consistent with our understandings of religious liberty? Prof. Matthew Franck of the Witherspoon Institute details how this conflict emerged and summarizes the main issues involved and arguments to be made by both sides. He also reviews the relevant case law that sits in the background of this case. This podcast is a great way to beef up your understanding of what is coming down in our judicial system.

Please share this interview with your friend and sign up for updates on our Facebook Fan Page. Thanks!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Despite being a nation prided upon religious freedom, the United States has witnessed several episodes of intense persecution of religious minorities. Prof. David Smith (University of Sydney) discusses why these episodic violations of civil liberties happen with specific reference to the Latter Day Saints in the mid-19th century and the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 20th century. He links these (and other) events to the threat that they generate towards the political status quo. We also discuss how this may relate to harassment of Catholics, Jews, and Muslims in US history over the past two centuries.

Join us on our Facebook Fan Page for weekly updates and additional insights. Help us reach 500 fans by June!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

In a very special “simul-podcast,” Russ Roberts of EconTalk interviews Tony about the economics of religion and religious liberty. This interview is broadcast both on our website and over at EconTalk (www.econtalk.org). This is extra special for Tony given that it was EconTalk that inspired the creation of this show and he is a big fan of Prof. Robert’s work. We discuss the origins of religious liberty as well as some additional observations about the economics of religion.

For new visitors, please consider “liking” our Facebook Fan Page for weekly updates on our show. The link can be found on the column to the right or search “Research on Religion with Anthony Gill” on Facebook.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

On October 10, 2013, a distinguished panel of scholars gathered at Georgetown University to discuss the relationship between religious liberty and economic prosperity. Sponsored by the Religious Freedom Project of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and moderated by Prof. William Inboden, the panelists included Ilan Alon (Rollins College), Timur Kuran (Duke), Ian Linden (Tony Blair Faith Foundation), and Rebecca Shah (Religious Freedom Project). They discuss the various causal (and sometimes non-causal) pathways wherein greater religious toleration and freedom promotes an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, immigration, and the institutional expansion of othe civil liberties.

Give the gift of knowledge during the holiday season and tell your friends about this free podcast series using the social media links below.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

On October 10, 2013, a distinguished panel of scholars gathered at Georgetown University to discuss the relationship between religious liberty to political freedom and social flourishing. Sponsored by the Religious Freedom Project of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and moderated by Prof. Timothy Shah, the panelists included Dan Philpott (Notre Dame), Nukhet Sandal (Ohio U), Ani Sarkissian (Michigan State), and Tony Gill (U of Washington). They examine issues whether democracies can suppress religious liberty and still remain democratic, whether increases in religious liberty can promote other civil liberties, and whether religious freedom can facilitate transitions from authoritarianism.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

We take a look at several issues on the religious liberty landscape, from Christmas songs in public schools to prayers at city council meetings to health care mandates. David Cortman, of the Alliance Defending Freedom, provides a review of these cases and addresses some of the challenges that Tony puts before him. This is a wide-ranging discussion that covers some of the more well-known court cases as well as some lesser known issues.

Become a regular subscriber to Research on Religion on iTunes or by using our RSS feed.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---