Review by Choice Review
In contrast to the view only a generation ago, religion has come to play an increasingly prominent role in politics worldwide, as seen, e.g., in the rise of fundamentalism and ethnic conflicts. This important work reports the results of recent research on the complex interrelationship of religion and politics in modern times. Its 256 articles, written and signed by leading scholars from numerous countries, end with bibliographies and range in scope from broad themes (e.g., nationalism) to narrower subjects (e.g., countries, religious movements, individuals), including such unexpected topics as economic development, gender, medicine, and taxation. The first volume provides a list of the articles, and both volumes end with a detailed subject index. Three appendixes round out the set: "Documents on Politics and Religion" (eight altogether, from Luther's Ninety-five Theses to the Irish Peace Accord, some excerpted); "Selected Readings" (Islam, Roman Catholicism); and "Reference Materials" (excerpts from constitutions of the world, Web sites, and a glossary). Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. C. A. Larson; University of Nebraska at Omaha
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
According to Mark Twain, "If we were sane we should all see a political or religious doctrine alike." Clearly, we do not, and the great diversity of interests and beliefs where religion and politics are concerned, together with their powerful synergism, most definitely warrant this general reference work. Addressing the "powerful confluence" of politics and religion on worldwide events during the last two centuries, this title is likely to become an important first-stop source for students, researchers, and others interested in understanding the effect these institutions have had on each other. Although many of the topics contained here are addressed in other sources about religion or politics, the editor has tried to focus in each case on those aspects of religion that relate to politics and those aspects of politics that relate to religion. For example, the article on capitalism discusses the Protestant ethic, liberation theology, and relevant papal encyclicals. Each article is written by a prominent scholar and is signed. The 256 articles focus on particular countries or regions (Israel, Pakistan), major world religions and traditions or movements within these religions (Confucianism, Jesuits), thematic topics that provide comparative perspectives and generalizations (Evangelicalism, Feminism), events (Crusades, Holocaust), and individual religious and political leaders (Mohandas Gandhi, Muammar al-Qaddafi). Ranging in length from several hundred words (generally for biographical entries) to 8,000 words (for major religions and places), each article includes a bibliography and cross-references. An appendix includes historic documents on politics and religion, ranging from Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (1517) to the 1998 Irish Peace Accords; excerpts from several world constitutions that include provisions on religion or religious practices; an annotated list of Internet sites relevant to the study of politics and religion; and a most useful glossary of many of the concepts, sacred texts, movements, and phrases used in the book that may be unfamiliar to readers and do not appear as separate entries in the encyclopedia. Recommended for larger public, academic, and interested special libraries.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
