Skip to content

What modernity requires is not that you cease living…

“What modernity requires is not that you cease living according to your faith, but that you accept that others may differ and that therefore politics requires a form of discourse that is reasonable and accessible to believer and non-believer alike. This religious restraint in politics is critical…” quote by Andrew Sullivan
Download Open image
“What modernity requires is not that you cease living according to your faith, but that you accept that others may differ and that therefore politics requires a form of discourse that is reasonable and accessible to believer and non-believer alike. This religious restraint in politics is critical to the maintenance of liberal democracy.”

Andrew Sullivan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Liberal democracy requires political discourse that respects both believers and non‑believers, allowing faith to coexist with secular reasoning.

In simple terms: Politics must be inclusive of all beliefs.

Key Takeaway

Reasonable discourse bridges faith and secularism.

Themes

politics religion democracy discourse pluralism

Mood

analytical hopeful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • legislative debates on moral issues
  • interfaith community forums

Key Concepts

political philosophy secularism religious tolerance

Practical Applications

  • Design public forums that welcome diverse belief perspectives

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure political dialogue remains reasonable for both believers and skeptics?
  • What safeguards protect democratic values when faith influences policy?
A Different Perspective

Deeply held convictions may still clash, limiting truly neutral discourse.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Andrew Sullivan

Explore all 114 Andrew Sullivan quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes