Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preliminary Material / A. Van De Beek , E. Van Der Borght and B. Vermeulen -- Introduction / A. Van de Beek , E.A.J.G. Van der Borght and B.P. Vermeulen -- The Freedom Of Religion In Article 9 Of The European Convention On Human Rights: Historical Roots And Today’s Dilemma’s / B.P. Vermeulen -- Autonomous Communities As A Solution For Ethnic And Religious Freedom In Hungary And Transylvania--Historical And Systematic Reflections / Tamás Juhász -- Some Reflections On Religion And Multiculturalism In Romania: Towards A Reappraisal Of The Grammar Of Traditions / Silviu E. Rogobete -- Religious Freedom And State Neutrality. The South African Experiment In Religious Rights / Nico Vorster -- ‘Freedom Of Religion’ In Indonesia: Some Thoughts From An International Perspective / Huub Lems -- Marriage And Religious Freedom / Hildegard Warnink -- Freedom Of Religion And Civil Law / Tymen J. Van Der Ploeg -- Contractual Religious Freedom / Rik Torfs -- Current Options For The Constitutional Implementation Of Religious Freedom / J.M. Vorster -- Being Church And Freedom Of Religion–The Function And Ambit Of Religious Freedom / Pieter Coertzen -- State, Church And Civil Society. An Analysis Of Two Recent Ecclesial Documents / Eduardus Van Der Borght -- To Be Free, Religion Should Keep Herself Free / Abraham Van de Beek -- Religion And Violence / Paul Cliteur -- Challenges And Dilemmas / A. Van de Beek , E.A.J.G. Van der Borght and B.P. Vermeulen -- List Of Contributors / A. Van De Beek , E. Van Der Borght and B. Vermeulen -- Index / A. Van De Beek , E. Van Der Borght and B. Vermeulen.

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The idea of freedom of religion was developed in Europe in the 16th and 17th century in the context of religious diversity as an alternative for religious wars. The concept requires reconsideration in the current globalized culture: religious plurality has increased as has the awareness of the religious potential for social cohesion and for sectarian division and violence. In this volume, legal experts, sociologists, theologians, and philosophers clarify the historical development of the concept, and analyze the present situation in various countries with religious tensions. They propose possible models and solutions, and discuss the fundamental question of whether the Western model of human rights with its separation of religion and state and freedom of religion can be conceived as universal.