A story of the secular that assumes a progressive and inevitable move from more religious to less religious is a reduction of experience to the point of actual and symbolic violence. It is an ethnocentric projection which prolongs a sense that We have superseded history to take an objective position. It seeks to de-anthropologise one set of human values in relation to another. … More The secular is not just about religion.
I could fill up the year and empty out my bank account with call for papers. I am committed to three right now. … More Conference season
This paper examines the Association’s formation following the publication of these two reports, framed as a ‘crisis’ in the Catholic Church. It outlines the Association’s basis for engagement in public at this time of ‘crisis’ and its desire for recognition of State and church separation. … More ‘Voice’ and crisis in Irish Catholicism
It argues that individualist conceptions of subjectivity have taken firm roots in democracies in Western Europe. These liberal democratic roots have grown into very complex democratic systems, mutually interdependent and secular in their composition. The individualist conception of our own subjectivity makes itself visible in discussions about who is secular and who is religious. … More ‘Being’ religious and ‘becoming’ secular
It is revealing to read a frank and considered account of a journey away from an institution that has let her down. It is hard to disagree with much of her assessment in the first two paragraphs. … More Common practice
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