The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America

1985 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 328
Author(s):  
Barbara Hargrove ◽  
Richard John Neuhaus
Keyword(s):  
Public Square ◽  
Democracy In America ◽  
Religion And Democracy

scholarly journals TOCQUEVILLE’S THEOLOGICO-POLITICAL PREDICAMENT: LEO STRAUSS, RELIGION AND DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-136
Author(s):  
Craig Douglas Albert
Keyword(s):  
Leo Strauss ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Seminal Contribution ◽  
The Social ◽  
Self Interest ◽  
Political Problem ◽  
History Of ◽  
Democracy In America ◽  
Novel Reading ◽  
Religion And Democracy

This paper analyzes Tocqueville’s Democracy in America in a new light. When viewed through Leo Strauss’ conception of the theologico-political problem, a novel reading of Tocqueville is presented. This interpretation argues that one of Democracy’s major themes concerns reason versus revelation. Within such a reading, it contends that Tocqueville’s seminal contribution to the history of political philosophy contained within it his reluctant announcement that religion may not be able to cure the social ills liberal democracy brings with it. Mainly, this is because Tocqueville fears democracy will contribute to the decline of religion itself. Tocqueville subtlety reveals his concerns over religion’s possible inadequacy, offers explanations thereof, and postulates another concept as a mitigating tool that has similar moderating effects on democratic defects: self-interest well understood.

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