Chapter 31 — Further Reading
Resources on religion, secularism, and faith in the West.
Reading-level key: ★ accessible · ★★ moderate · ★★★ academic.
On Western secularism and the US–Europe split
- Pew Research Center reports on religion (religious landscape, the US vs. Europe, the "nones"). ★ Free, data-rich, and the best source for who believes what where. Search "Pew religion US Europe."
- Charles Taylor, A Secular Age (2007). ★★★ The landmark (dense) account of how the West became secular. For the deeply curious; summaries abound.
- Articles on "why the US is religious and Europe is secular." ★★ Accessible explanations of the split.
On practicing your faith / your rights
- "Religious accommodation at work" guides (e.g., EEOC in the US; equivalents elsewhere). ★ Your rights to prayer time, holidays, dress, and dietary needs (Chapters 9, 30) — Zahra's case.
- Your faith community's local resources (mosque/temple/church/etc.) and interfaith organizations. ★ For belonging, practice, and support.
On secularism's specific forms
- Articles on France's laïcité and the headscarf debates. ★★ Explains the strictest Western secularism (and its controversies).
On religious discrimination (Honesty Box)
- Reports on Islamophobia and antisemitism in the West (e.g., from civil-rights and monitoring organizations). ★★ Clear-eyed on the prejudice that coexists with the tolerance ideal (also Chapter 32).
On living between faith and secular culture
- First-person essays by religious immigrants in secular societies. ★ Validating perspectives on practicing faith privately while keeping it fully (both case studies).
Free / lighter
- Pew's interactive religion data; YouTube: "secularism explained," "religion in America vs. Europe." ★
A reading suggestion
Pew Research's religion data gives you the real landscape fast (who's religious where). For your own practice, look up religious-accommodation rights for your country and connect with a local faith community. And remember the balance: practice fully, hold privately, respect all beliefs and none, and know your rights.