Religion debates

Debating religion without talking past each other

Religion debates go wrong when one side argues about evidence and the other about meaning. Say which question the room is on: whether a belief is true, whether it is good for society, or whether the state should act on it. Those are three different debates.

Speakers do not need to agree. They do need to describe the other side in terms that side would accept.

Religion questions to argue

Each of these can be argued respectfully from more than one starting point.

• Does morality need religion?
• Should religious belief shape public law?
• Do secular states treat religious minorities more fairly?
• Can faith and science give different but equally valid answers?
• Should religious dress be allowed in public institutions?
• What makes a tradition worth keeping?

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