The Prospects for Democratic Convergence: Islam and Christianity

The resurgence of world religions, particularly those of a common ancestry in the Book, proffers a trans-national address to modern political conflict. Since the civilizations Huntington predicted to clash are characterized by religious traditions, these very traditions may helpfully become the focus of analysis for an unstable world order. In any dialogue, the "West" is unlikely to disclaim democracy, with its indispensably secular institutions, as its universal ideal, while Islamic peoples are unlikely to prefer popular sovereignty over the sovereignty of God. Yet the positions are far from irreconcilably opposed. The modern West is largely blind to the religious foundations of "Christendom," while the various Islamic states remain undecided as to the actual formulation of divine sovereignty as political institution. A central problem in all religions is recourse to holy writ in support of patriarchalism; passages that inspire demands for "promised lands," for colonial expansion or for a rejection of human agency in political affairs are frequently recited out of context. The religions of the Book can contribute greatly to international comity when they can agree to interpret foundational scriptures and religious traditions in light of their historical and theological contexts.