The Religious and the Political: A Comparative Sociology of Religion - Softcover

Turner, Bryan S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521675316 ISBN 13: 9780521675314

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2013

Synopsis

While the relationships between ethics and religion, and violence and politics, are of enduring interest, the interface between religion and violence is one of the most problematic features of the contemporary world. Following in the tradition of Max Weber's historical and comparative study of religions, this book explores the many ways in which religion and politics are both combined and separated across different world religions and societies. Through a variety of case studies including the monarchy, marriage, law and conversion, Bryan S. Turner explores different manifestations of secularization, and how the separation of church and state is either compromised or abandoned. He considers how different states manage religion in culturally and religiously diverse societies and concludes with a discussion of the contemporary problems facing the liberal theory of freedom of religion. The underlying theoretical issue is the conditions for legitimacy of rule in modern societies experiencing global changes.

About this title

Review

'The Religious and the Political challenges conventional assumptions about secular modernity by demonstrating that state formations are deeply enmeshed with the religious on myriad fronts - from gender and family to revelation and charisma, agency and conversion, citizenship, power and violence, and colonialism. Turner's global comparative sociology of this 'tragic tension' will help informed scholars and a wider readership alike grapple with the key antinomies of liberal modernity in ways that point to a path forward for both souls and states.' John R. Hall, Professor of Sociology, University of California, Davis

Book Description

Religion and politics are fundamental dimensions of human society, yet they are often at loggerheads. The apparent differences are deceptive, because the two are inevitably entwined - both deeply concerned with control or regulation of everyday affairs. This book explores how and where they intersect in different religions and societies.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0521675316
• ISBN 13: 9780521675314
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 292