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Paperback / 220 pages

One of the most comprehensive attacks on secularism yet
attempted argues that advocates of secularism misunderstand
the borders between science, religion, and politics and
cannot solve the problem of religious difference.

University scholars have spent decades subjecting religion
to critical scrutiny. But what would happen if they turned
their focus on secularism? Hunter Baker seeks the answer to
that question by putting secularism under the microscope
and carefully examining its origins, its context, its claims,
and the viability of those claims.

The result of Baker's analysis is "The End of Secularism".
He reveals that secularism fails as an instrument designed
to create superior social harmony and political rationality
to that which is available with theistic alternatives. Baker
also demonstrates that secularism is far from the best or
only way to enjoy modernity's fruits of religious liberty,
free speech, and democracy. "The End of Secularism" declares
the demise of secularism as a useful social construct and
upholds the value of a public square that welcomes all
comers, religious and otherwise, into the discussion. The
message of The End of Secularism is that the marketplace
of ideas depends on open and honest discussion rather
than on religious content or the lack thereof.

Endorsements:

"Hunter Baker's volume is a much-welcomed addition to the
debate on the role of religion and faith in the public square.
To the confusion regarding matters of religion and politics,
Baker brings illuminating clarity. To the ambiguity
regarding the meaning and place of pluralism, he provides
thoughtful analysis. To the directionless arguments for
secularization, he offers an insightful and discerning
response. This much-needed volume provides a readable,
historically-informed, and carefully-reasoned case for
the place of faith in our public deliberations. It is
with great enthusiasm that I recommend it."
--David S. Dockery, President, Union University

"Hunter Baker is one of the sharpest thinkers in contemporary
American Christianity. This work will provoke the same kind
of conversation ignited by Richard John Neuhaus's "The Naked
Public Square." Read this book slowly with a highlighter and
a pen in hand as you think about questions ranging from
whether the Ten Commandments ought to hang in your local
courthouse to whether there's a future for public Christianity."
--Russell D. Moore, Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary