Religion and Peace: Global Perspectives and Possibilities

Religion can help societies achieve peace and stability, and religious leaders can take actions to facilitate conflict resolution. This book examines the positive impact of religion and spirituality in the public sphere and the role of faith in resolving diplomatic, political, and social problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Ohio University Press

Religion has the potential to play a significant role in promoting peace and stability in societies. However, the actions taken by religious leaders can vary greatly in their effectiveness in facilitating conflict resolution. This book aims to address these critical questions by examining numerous contemporary conflicts within and between countries.

Following the 9/11 attacks, public attention shifted away from religion's relationship to politics and towards its connection to violence in civil conflicts, wars, and terrorism. The perception of religion's role in sowing discord became more prominent than its ability to unify. It took a while for discussions to turn towards the positive impact of religion and spirituality in the public sphere and the role of faith in resolving diplomatic, political, and social problems.

The essays in this book contribute to this discourse by exploring past, present, and future opportunities to promote peace through religion and spirituality. The contributors to this volume examine topics such as humanitarianism, philosophy, counter-extremism, human rights, rituals, populism, foreign policy, and environmentalism. Some of the chapters approach these topics from a transnational perspective, while others focus on specific countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Jonathan C. Agensky, Slavica Jakelić, Afra Jalabi, Brandon Kendhammer, Loren D. Lybarger, Cecelia Lynch, Peter Mandaville, Jeremy Rinker, Margaret M. Scull, and Amy Erica Smith are among the contributors to this volume.

In conclusion, religion has the potential to be a powerful force for promoting peace and stability in societies. However, the actions taken by religious leaders can vary greatly in their effectiveness in facilitating conflict resolution. This book provides valuable insights into the role of religion and spirituality in promoting peace and addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by religious leaders in this endeavor.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780821424834