Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective: The One, The Few, and The Many

by Ted Gerard Jelen, Clyde Wilcox

Overview

Religion is resurgent across the globe. In many countries it is a powerful source of political mobilization, and in some, potent social cleavage. In some, religion reinforces the state, while in others, it provides the space for resistance. This book contains a series of detailed studies examining religion and politics in specific countries or regions. The studies include countries with one dominant religious tradition, and others with two or more competing traditions. They encompass Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hinduism, Shinto, and Buddhism. They involve states where religion and politics are closely linked, and others with at least a basic separation between church and state.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521650311
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/01/2002
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.37(h) x 1.14(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: the one and the many - religion and politics in comparative perspective Ted G. Jelen and Clyde Wilcox; 2. The challenge of pluralism: the Catholic church in democratic Poland Timothy A. Byrnes; 3. Catholicism, politics, and culture in the Republic of Ireland Michele Dillon; 4. Religion and politics in Iberia: clericalism, anticlericalism and democratization in Portugal and Spain Paul Christopher Manuel; 5. The religious dimension of Israeli political life Kenneth D. Wald; 6. Between heaven and earth: the dilemma of the Islamic Republic of Iran Sussan Siavoshi; 7. Islamism in contemporary Arab politics: lessons in authoritarianism and democratization Mehran Tamadonfar; 8. Religion and politics in a secular Europe: cutting against the grain J. Christopher Soper and Joel Fetzer; 9. Religion and democracy in South America: challenges and opportunities Anthony Gill; 10. Looking for hope in Central America: the Pentecostal movement Anne Motley Hallum; 11. Religion and politics in India: the emergence of Hindu Nationalism and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunil K. Sahu; 12. Religion and politics in Japan Maria Toyoda and Aiji Tanaka; 13. Religion and politics in an open market: religious mobilization in the United States Clyde Wilcox and Ted G. Jelen; 14. Conclusion: the political roles of religion Ted G. Jelen and Clyde Wilcox.

Editorial Reviews

"Jelen and Wilcox present a valuable collection of 14 essays dealing with the interaction between religion and politics in select countries.... [S]ocial scientists and political theorists will find much of value to assist them as they explore the social interplay between convictions of faith and affairs of state. Highly recommended." Choice

From the Publisher

Contains 14 detailed studies examining religion and politics in various countries and regions. Chapters include such topics as clericalism, anti-clericalism, and democratization in Portugal and Spain; the religious dimension of Israeli political life; and the Pentecostal movement in Central America. Each is preceded by a succinct introductory summary. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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