Law, Religion and Tradition is the culmination of the initial conference held by the newly established European Academy of Religion. The collection itself marks the commencement of Europe as a new and important lens through which to explore and tackle the conflicts posed by the interaction of law and religion in a modern world. It also serves to represent a solid foundation for a significant advancement in the scholarship of law and religion. The papers present a fresh, global perspective on the interface of law and religion, at a time when both religion and belief pose an abundance of challenges. Defending the importance of tradition, religion and belief alike, the volume considers carefully the impact of religion on both law and civilisation today. Written by a range of scholars, both well established and up and coming, the papers offer insightful discussion and essential historical perspective.

It is unquestionable that there are modern, social challenges faced by both cultural and religious traditions, and the collection offers a clear, broad discussion of several of these. For example, the second essay details the enduring existence of the controversial blasphemy laws in Pakistan, providing historical perspective and the motivation behind the laws, as well as an exploration of whether they have the potential to survive in a modern world. Other papers challenge the belief that religious tradition and modernity are forever to remain in opposition, and compare modern worldviews on gender and sexuality with religious and cultural tradition, touching upon issues such as individual agency. Scholars are urged by one particular chapter to continue to advance the discourse surrounding LGBT rights within the scope of law and religion. The volume also highlights the significance of cultural and religious tradition being considered in the case law of various jurisdictions.

It would have been interesting to encounter an essay discussing the impact of religious extremism in a modern world. Although the chapter on the blasphemy laws of Pakistan touches upon this particular issue lightly, it is not discussed in depth. While the brevity of such a topic is to be acknowledged, such a chapter would have been fascinating to read.

Law, Religion and Tradition is a recognition of the need to reconcile the conflicts between law and religion. The volume may be considered a contribution not only to scholarship on law and religion, but also to legal history discourse, owing to its emphasis on historical evaluation. It presents itself as a multifaceted collection, with the potential to lend itself to areas of law concerned with discrimination and human rights. A stimulating snapshot of such imperative discussion, this book offers noteworthy engagement with a vast range of important topics, providing a meaningful, thorough and essential analysis which fills a gap in law and religion scholarship.