Bringing Religion into International Religious Freedom Policy

Author: Thomas Farr

July 1, 2011

In this chapter Thomas F. Farr argues that religion will continue to affect social and political decisions throughout the world hence, U.S. policy makers should consider the deep impact that personal religious beliefs have on public issues. Farr contends that religious beliefs, while often private and personal do have very public implications and influence the socio-political and economic policies of citizens and countries. The public dimensions of religious beliefs and their socio-political impact is precisely the reason to consider religion a significant part of U.S. foreign policy. The author notes that one method to engage religion seriously is to learn about the religious teachings, customs, and norms of various traditions throughout the world. When U.S. foreign policy has a better understanding of religious ideology and belief systems it has the potential to be more effective in the international community.

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