The Sacred/Secular Binary: Challenging the Divide in University Culture and Democratic Societies
by Rory D. McEntee
About the Book
The Sacred/Secular Binary challenges the inherited divide between religious and secular worldviews in academic and civic life. Drawing on political philosophy, religious studies, contemplative practice, and decolonial thought, Rory D. McEntee argues for a pluralistic democracy that welcomes diverse ontologies—including those grounded in spiritual and contemplative traditions—into the university and public square.
McEntee develops the idea of a “contemplative democracy” and a “beloved community of religious diversity,” offering a fresh vision for democratic life in a religiously pluralistic age.
About the Author
Rory D. McEntee is President and Executive Director of the Charis Foundation for New Monasticism & Interspirituality. He teaches and writes at the intersection of contemplative traditions, democracy, and religious diversity, and is co-author of The New Monasticism: An Interspiritual Manifesto for Contemplative Living.
Reviews
“One of the premier publications in the TWW series… a compelling case for including multiple ontologies in the academy and in public democratic conversation.”
— Jerry L. Martin
“A persuasively decolonial and religiously diverse ‘demosophy.’ Time to make it happen!”
— Catherine Keller
“How can democracy itself become a new contemplative practice? Like this.”
— Jeffrey J. Kripal