More Than a Matter of Belief: Including Questions of Justice in the Study of Leaving Religion
Language: English, French and Spanish
Not only on a societal level the perception of what is just has changed across contexts and throughout the Anthropocene, but also individuals adapt their perceptions of justice. This panel explores how perceptions of justice, which are often shaped by religious ethical frameworks, change for those who leave religion. As several studies on religious exit-ers have shown, becoming nonreligious provokes re-considerations of how one relates to matters of justice, encompassing gender equality, sexual liberties, racial and class justice, knowledge (in)equalities, and freedom of expression. These shifts are often expressed through activism, with nonreligious individuals supporting not only secular rights but also related issues, brought forward by feminist and queer movements. We invite contributions from sociologists, anthropologists, and other scholars investigating nonreligion in relation to the various dimensions of justice. A particular focus will be put on Muslim-majority and minority countries, though we also welcome comparisons to other geographical and religious contexts. Potential key themes include:
- Doubts about God’s justice: How do ideas about social justice play a role in the trajectory of becoming nonreligious?
- New ethical frameworks: How do views on ethics and justice evolve post-religion?
- Nonreligious activism: How do activists address (non)religious liberties and related societal issues?
- Minority vs. Majority rights: How do different societal contexts inform perspectives on justice and activism?
- Class-/power-/race-(in)sensitive justice: How do nonreligious positions (re)envision issues of class, power, and race?