Review of Holy Ignorance: When Religion and Culture Part Ways

Abstract

Olivier Roy argues that the separation of culture and faith—by secular as well as religious actors—has fuelled a "holy ignorance" which paves the way for fundamentalist claims as "authentic." This review draws attention to the consequences for human rights in the Muslim world, especially with regard to gender and religious freedom. While agreeing with Roy's overall thesis, the review finds it too sweeping in its assumption that religious traditions can be grounded at all outside of some cultural foundations. Further, both secular and religious forces have much to gain from—as well as contribute to—a pluralism that offers the strongest prospects for the cultural legitimacy that human rights needs as universalist project.