Philosophy and Religion in Africana Traditions: God and the State
As we engage in conversation about the role of religion in our contemporary society, the topic for this year is inspired by Mikhail Bakunin’s 1871 publication, originally titled, “Dieu et l’état.” God and the State will anchor our discussion of conceptualizing how many faith-based communities live dichotomously within the context of God, state and personhood. What religious qualities do these communities share? Is there space in these faith-based communities to include non-religious people? How is God conceptualized in these organically religious communities? What are the philosophical foundations of world views that are grounded in human solidarity?
Religion in a ‘democratic state’ is open to philosophical interpretation that expands the chasm of theological doctrines, beginning with fundamentalism and leading to humanism (both atheistic and theistic). This conference will seek to address the role of state power in the relationship between religious orthodoxy and authoritarianism. Join us in this endeavor to examine the role of religion on the state and the ramifications of using faith-based proclamations to enact public polices and use as instruments of social control. A free PDF copy of Mikhail Bakunin’s God and the State at www.Marxist.org
Sponsored by: The Center for Place, Culture and Politics of the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and HUMANITAS: The Africana Ethical and Cultural Society