INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION, PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHT

Introduction:
The presented work delves into the intersection of religion, human rights, and social stability,
particularly within the context of promoting peace. The author asserts that social stability, a
critical element of which is peace, is indispensable for the realization of human rights. However,
the author acknowledges that the concept of human rights is not without its critics, with some
scholars viewing it as a "discourse of pseudo-emancipation" that conceals various entanglements.
The dual nature of contemporary society, immersed in a culture of human rights yet
systematically infringing on these rights, sets the stage for a nuanced exploration. The
relationship between human rights, religious freedom, and peace is a complex and contentious
topic, as evidenced by the critiques presented in this work. The authors challenge the
conventional understanding of the Liberal Peace, asserting that efforts to implement this
approach in post-conflict reconstruction have failed to establish durable and just peace. Oliver
Richmond, in particular, scrutinizes internationally sponsored initiatives in Cambodia, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Timor Lester, attributing the shortcomings to the emphasis on "liberal
institutions" that inadvertently strengthen political and economic elites. Furthermore, critics like
Elizabeth Hurd argue that universalistic language, including that of human rights and religious
freedom, risks imposing biased Western notions on diverse cultural understandings, potentially
exacerbating social tensions and conflicts. The discussion on the return of religion in
contemporary society and the role of religions in shaping perspectives on human rights presents a
nuanced exploration of various factors influencing these phenomena. The analysis delves into the
complex interplay of scientific advancements, ideological crises, cultural shifts, and the
experiences of marginalized communities. The subsequent exploration of the foundation of
human rights within religious frameworks adds depth to the discourse by examining
anthropological perspectives, the dichotomy of divine and natural rights, and the hierarchization
of individuals based on beliefs. The discourse on human rights has encountered significant
opposition from various religious perspectives, challenging the very foundations of the theory.
This review explores the objections raised by religions against the theory of human rights,
emphasizing the clash between legal anthropological precepts and transcendental beliefs. While
some religious leaders criticize human rights as ethically insufficient without a transcendent
dimension, others argue that their adherence to divine precepts exempts them from
acknowledging human-made declarations of rights. This work explores the intersection of
various religious traditions with the concept of human rights, delving into the lives and teachings
of key figures within Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism. The focus is on
individuals who have played pivotal roles in advocating for human rights within the context of
their respective faiths. The exploration extends to the challenges and debates surrounding the
universality of human rights, considering the impact of cultural and religious relativism. The
exploration of the foundation of human rights is a complex and multifaceted subject,
encompassing various philosophical perspectives. In this work, the author narrows the focus to
two key viewpoints: the moral foundation proposed by Tugendhat and the discursive ethics
approach advocated by Cortina. The work also delves into the practical implications of human
rights through an examination of Cooperation Agreements in the context of the 1980
Constitutional Religious Freedom Act. Additionally, the author addresses the evolving
relationship between the state and religion, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation and potential
collaboration between these entities.
Main Work:
The core of the work revolves around the intricate relationship between human rights,
particularly the freedom of conscience, religion, or belief, and the pursuit of peace. The author
contends that the origins of human rights, especially in response to the abuses of Hitler and
fascist regimes, were aimed at preventing autocratic governance and arbitrary force. The
narrative traces the historical context, emphasizing how the abuse of emergency powers, as
exemplified by Hitler's rise to power, necessitated a comprehensive framework of rights that
could withstand such abuses.
The work highlights key legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR), the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International
Covenant of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Particular attention is given to the
right to freedom of conscience, religion, or belief as a non-derivable right, crucial in preventing
arbitrary force. The discussion extends to the prohibition of atrocity crimes and the recognition
of economic, social, and cultural rights as essential components of human rights.
The author further contextualizes the contemporary challenges to human rights within the
dynamics of neoliberal globalization, economic power structures, and cultural fragmentation.
Neo-liberalism's impact on the universality of human rights, reducing them to mere rhetoric
serving certain interests, is explored. The need for a concrete timeframe and constant
reinterpretation of human rights in the face of evolving global contexts, including neoliberalism,
inter-culturalism, and religious pluralism, is emphasized. The central focus of this work involves
responding to critiques against the Liberal Peace paradigm, with an emphasis on the implications
for human rights and religious freedom. Richmond's assessment of post-conflict reconstruction
efforts serves as a starting point, highlighting the unintended consequences of pursuing liberal
ideals. Hurd adds depth to the discussion by questioning the very universality of concepts like
"religion," contending that imposing Western interpretations through human rights language can
lead to oppression and discrimination. The authors scrutinize the impact of neoliberal economic
policies and argue against the efficacy of liberal institutions in fostering peace. Additionally, the
work delves into the challenges posed by language limitations and the statist monopoly of law in
upholding human rights guarantees, including religious freedom.
The subsequent section explores the ongoing tension between religion and human rights,
challenging the idea of secularization as the only lens through which to understand the evolution
of the religious phenomenon. The authors argue that the resurgence of religious influence,
characterized by Gilles Kepel as "the revenge of God," contradicts the predictions of
secularization theory. They trace shifts from religion as a marginal and private phenomenon to
its reemergence as a fundamental force shaping cultural identity and public policy. The work
identifies key transformations in the role of religion, from a quiet force in the background to an
overt source of conflict, including instances of religiously motivated terrorism and
fundamentalism.
Causes for the Return of Religion: The author identifies multiple factors contributing to the
resurgence of religion. Scientific advancements, particularly in biogenetics, create ethical
dilemmas prompting individuals to seek guidance from religious frameworks. The failure of
modern ideologies and the rise of multicultural societies introduce uncertainty, while immigrant
groups, feeling marginalized, turn to religion for support and cohesion. The empirical evidence
suggests a regression in modernization, urging a reconsideration of secularization theories.
The Problem of the Foundation of Human Rights in Religions: This section explores the
attitudes of religions towards human rights, emphasizing four key factors: underlying
anthropology, foundation, recognition, and practices within religions. Religions, often
characterized by a pessimistic anthropology, must reconcile their views to align with the
principles of human rights. The foundation of human rights is dissected through the lens of
divine and natural rights, highlighting the complexities within religious traditions. The
discussion also addresses the hierarchical nature of beliefs within religions, leading to
potential inequalities.

Religious Objections: Religions, rooted in legal anthropological precepts, resist the

theory of human rights. Mohamed Talbi, a former Professor of Islamic history, criticizes
the 1993 World’s Religions declaration, claiming it sidelines God and lacks a
transcendental foundation. Religions, particularly monotheistic ones, resist human rights
practices, asserting the need to adhere to their holy texts, hindering global acceptance.

Institutional Conflict: A significant conflict emerges between legislative bodies and

religious authorities on matters such as divorce, abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and
embryonic stem cell research. Religious hierarchies consider themselves the sole
interpreters of natural law, challenging the legitimacy of democratically elected
representatives to legislate on these issues. Instances in Spain reveal increasing
radicalism and accusations of secularism by the Catholic Church.
Infringement of Human Rights within Religions: Religions, often organized
hierarchically, face internal challenges to human rights. The Catholic Church, for
example, contends that its divine nature and spiritual focus differentiate it from other
institutions, justifying its non-democratic organizational structure. This hierarchical
structure is seen by critics as a source of human rights violations within religious
institutions.
Christianity: The work begins with a spotlight on prominent Christian figures such as
Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu, Monsignor Oscar A. Romero, and Ignacio Ellacuría.
It discusses how these individuals, driven by their Christian beliefs, championed civil
rights, fought against apartheid, and denounced governmental abuses. Theological
perspectives, such as Ellacuría's emphasis on human rights grounded in biological
foundations, are explored.
Islam: The narrative then shifts to Islam, highlighting figures like Mohammad Khatami
and movements that strive for human rights within an Islamic framework. Khatami's
endorsement of democracy and human rights within an Islamic context is discussed,
revealing the internal struggles faced in balancing religious values with political reforms.
Hinduism: Gandhi and Bhirmao R. Ambedkar take center stage in the Hindu tradition,
both advocating for human rights through non-violent resistance and the fight against
social and religious discrimination, particularly the caste system.
Judaism: The work touches upon the involvement of Jews in the feminist movement and
their contribution to the struggle for women's emancipation within Judaism, driven by
both religious and secular motivations.
Buddhism: Buddhism is explored through the lenses of figures like Thich Nhat Hanh
and the Dalai Lama, who exemplify the Buddhist tradition's emphasis on equality and
social justice. The monks of Myanmar are also mentioned for their role in challenging
political oppression.
Limits to Human Rights: Aspects to Debate: The work concludes by addressing the
limits to human rights, sparking a debate on the universality of human rights versus
cultural or religious relativism. It questions the core principles of human rights and the
role of cultural idiosyncrasies and religions in shaping a universal perception of human
rights. Human Rights as Moral Rights (Tugendhat): Tugendhat argues that human
rights find their roots in moral rights. According to him, the operative term is "moral
right," and the challenge lies in developing a moral theory that upholds these rights
without relying on absolute values. Tugendhat proposes a foundation based on a morality
of mutual respect, suggesting that fundamental rights are not granted by law but
authorized by individuals through this universal morality.

Discursive Ethics and Human Rights (Cortina): Cortina proposes a dualist concept of
human rights that considers both ethical and legal dimensions. Discursive ethics, based
on Apel's principle, emphasizes the recognition of all beings capable of communication
as persons. Cortina distinguishes between rights discovered through transcendental
reflection and those recognized by specific communities through historical
communication. The work suggests that pragmatic rights, interpreted as exigencies, can
be equated with human rights, mediating between transcendentalism and historical
context.
 The Mandate of Cooperation in the 1980 Constitutional Religious Freedom Act: The
author discusses the Constitutional Religious Freedom Act and Cooperation Agreements
as a means of channeling relationships with denominations. The legal status of these
agreements is highlighted, emphasizing their international treaty nature and the
limitations on revocation. The criteria for denominations to qualify for cooperation
agreements are outlined, including registration in the Ministry of Justice Directorate
General of Religious Affairs and recognition of established status.
The State and Religion: What Future Do They Have? (Rahmani): Rahmani explores
the relationship between the state and religion, identifying two factors necessitating a
reform: growing tensions in debates related to religion in society and the state's perceived
inability to address global challenges. Rahmani suggests a historical need for reform,
emphasizing the importance of intellectual and organizational involvement in the
reflection and debate surrounding this relationship.

Summary:
In summary, the work navigates through the complex terrain of human rights, religion, and social
stability. It explores historical origins, legal frameworks, and contemporary challenges,
addressing criticisms and acknowledging the paradoxical coexistence of a human rights culture
and persistent violations. The interplay of liberal democracy, economic interdependence, and
international institutions in promoting peace is discussed, drawing attention to the concept of the
Liberal Peace. In summary, the work critically examines the shortcomings of the Liberal Peace
paradigm, drawing on Richmond's insights into post-conflict reconstruction failures and Hurd's
skepticism about universalistic language in human rights discourse. The authors argue that the
imposition of Western ideals, including neoliberal economic policies, exacerbates inequalities
and undermines the intended goals of peace-building efforts. The second part of the work shifts
focus to the changing dynamics between religion and human rights, challenging the dominance
of secularization theory and highlighting the resurgence of religious influence in shaping cultural
identity and public policy. The examination of the return of religion and the foundation of human
rights within religious contexts provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted nature of
these phenomena. From the ethical considerations in biogenetics to the theological nuances of
divine and natural rights, the work navigates through diverse dimensions. The recognition of the
hierarchical structures within religions adds a sociological perspective, acknowledging the
potential for discrimination and exclusion. The review underscores the multifaceted nature of the
objections to the theory of human rights. Religious opposition is grounded in the belief that a
transcendental dimension is indispensable for ethical frameworks. Institutional conflicts arise
when religious authorities resist legislative decisions on moral issues. Additionally, the
hierarchical nature of religious organizations raises concerns about internal human rights
violations. Despite these challenges, the review acknowledges a positive face of religion,
wherein religious leaders actively defend human rights, particularly in the face of social
injustices stemming from neoliberal globalization. This work provides a comprehensive
overview of how key figures from various religious traditions have contributed to the promotion
of human rights. It explores their motivations, struggles, and the impact of their beliefs on their
advocacy efforts. Additionally, the work delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the
universality of human rights and the challenges posed by cultural and religious relativism. The
work provides a nuanced exploration of the foundation of human rights, delving into moral,
ethical, and legal perspectives. Tugendhat's emphasis on moral rights and Cortina's discursive
ethics approach offer distinct viewpoints on the origin of human rights. The analysis extends
beyond theoretical considerations to practical applications, examining Cooperation Agreements
within the Constitutional Religious Freedom Act. Rahmani concludes the work by highlighting
the need for a reevaluation of the relationship between the state and religion, advocating for
collaboration rather than conflict.
Conclusion:
The conclusion of the work reiterates the importance of human rights compliance, particularly in
the realm of religious freedom, as a means to foster peace. The author underscores the empirical
support for the claim that adherence to human rights correlates with a reduction in conflicts. The
work concludes by emphasizing the ongoing relevance of human rights in the face of evolving
global dynamics, challenging readers to confront the tensions between a culture of human rights
and the persistent infringement of these rights in contemporary society. The work concludes by
underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of the challenges posed by the Liberal Peace
paradigm and the evolving relationship between religion and human rights. The authors suggest
that a more culturally sensitive approach is necessary to avoid the pitfalls of imposing Western
ideals on diverse societies. By acknowledging the limitations of universalistic language and the
impact of economic policies, the work invites scholars and policymakers to reconsider the
foundations of peace-building efforts and to engage in a more inclusive dialogue that respects the
diverse interpretations of human rights and religious freedom. The work concludes by asserting
the limitations of secularization as the sole hermeneutic category in understanding cultural
climates and religious phenomena. The persistence of religion, as argued by Habermas,
necessitates a broader sociological analysis, incorporating categories such as the return of
religion, socialization, new religious movements, and inter-spirituality. The exploration of the
foundation of human rights within religions underscores the necessity for religions to adapt their
anthropological perspectives to align with the principles of human rights, thereby fostering
inclusivity and social relevance. Overall, the work contributes valuable insights into the evolving
dynamics of religion and its interface with contemporary societal issues. In conclusion, the
objections to the theory of human rights posed by religions highlight deep-seated conflicts
between legal, ethical, and transcendental perspectives. The tension between universal
declarations and religious doctrines, especially in the face of evolving societal norms, continues
to pose challenges. However, it is essential to recognize the dual role of religion, as some
religious leaders actively champion human rights causes, emphasizing the potential for
collaboration and dialogue between religious traditions and human rights advocates. The
discourse remains complex and evolving, requiring ongoing engagement to reconcile divergent
perspectives on the nature and application of human rights. In conclusion, the exploration of
human rights within different religious traditions highlights both the common ground and the
unique challenges each faith faces. The work underscores the ongoing need for a nuanced and
inclusive dialogue that respects cultural and religious diversity while upholding the fundamental
principles of human rights. The debates presented encourage further reflection on the evolving
nature of these rights in a global context. The work offers a comprehensive examination of the
foundation of human rights, encompassing diverse philosophical perspectives and practical
considerations. By addressing the moral and ethical underpinnings, legal implications, and real-
world applications, the author contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay
between human rights, morality, and the state. The call for collaboration between the state and
religion adds a forward-looking dimension, inviting further reflection on the evolving nature of
governance and societal values.