Muslim migration in Europe and the growing influence of the "Christian Right" in the USA present parallel challenges for the secular state on both sides of the North Atlantic, according to sociologist Christian Joppke. How can the state remain free from religion without infringing on the right to religious freedom—especially when religion contradicts the principles of the liberal state, such as human rights and equal treatment? In his insightful and provocative study, the author describes the problems that the resurgence of "public religion" poses to Western secular states, both politically and legally.