Pew Institute
Has the growth of religious fundamentalism in the United States and Europe altered the nature of these societies? Is there a link between religion and violence? We spoke with Brian Grim of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life about the intricate relationship between religion, politics, and society. His research dispels many of the common myths about religion and politics while highlighting areas where real tensions occur.
In our interview, Brian discusses global trends in religious practices and the social fault lines they create. We discussed the importance of religious tolerance from a variety of political, social, and economic perspectives, and learned how government policies can best preserve these freedoms.
Meet Brian
Brian Grim is Senior Research Fellow in Religion and World Affair with the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. He has a Ph.D. in Sociology from Pennsylvania State University.
The Interview
What is the state of religious freedom in the world today?
Is an official state religion incompatible with a liberal democracy?
How can we prevent social pressures that restrict our religious freedom?
Does religion in the U.S. pose a threat to democracy?
