Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
Thesis (Master's)
Department or Program
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
First Advisor
Susannah Heschel
Second Advisor
Klaus Milich
Third Advisor
Jeremy Sabella
Abstract
Secular, democratic societies and governments evolved out of religious societies and defined themselves partially in opposition to religious authority. This historical relationship has led to a debate about the compatibility between religious ideas and modern, secular society. Ernst-Wolfgang Böckenförde posited that secular, democratic societies still depend on religious foundations. Jürgen Habermas disagrees, claiming that processes of rational dialogue can provide sufficient support.
Two prominent twentieth century theologians, Reinhold Niebuhr and Abraham Joshua Heschel demonstrate that democratic systems are enriched and protected by theistic ideas, thus supporting Böckenförde’s dictum. However, they both recognize the importance of epistemic humility and a process of iterative improvement through open dialogue, which reflects Habermas’ aversion to unchallengeable religious dogma. Using Niebuhr and Heschel as guides, this thesis will develop a test to determine whether a particular religious thinker or set of ideas is compatible with the functioning of a democracy. Using this framework to evaluate the religious and political writings of Rachid Ghannouchi will show that his challenges to Western secularism are, in fact, compatible with democracy.
Recommended Citation
Sheppe, Andrew P., "The Ghannouchi Test: The compatibility of religious ideas and secular democracy" (2025). Dartmouth College Master’s Theses. 244.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/masters_theses/244
Included in
History of Religion Commons, Intellectual History Commons, Islamic Studies Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
