Rethinking Religion and Politics in a Plural World: The Baha'i International Community and the United Nations

Julia Berger explores the internal meaning-making structures and processes driving NGO behavior, identifying constructs from within a religious tradition that forge new ways of pursuing social change. She argues that action is guided not simply by beliefs and values but also by a combination of elements so intrinsic as to constitute an "organizational DNA." Berger draws on the example of the worldwide Bahai community to demonstrate the operation and salience of such a rationality, providing a unique historical and contemporary perspective on the evolving role of religion and civil society in the modern world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In her groundbreaking book, Julia Berger delves into the intricate internal meaning-making structures and processes that shape NGO behavior. Through a comprehensive examination of constructs within a religious tradition, she identifies innovative ways for NGOs to pursue social change. Berger argues that action is guided not solely by beliefs and values but also by a complex amalgamation of elements that constitute an "organizational DNA." These hidden structures and rationalities manifest themselves in novel modes of engagement and agency, illuminating the profound role of religion in shaping notions of peace, progress, and modernity.

To illustrate the operation and significance of this rationality, Berger draws on the example of the global Bahai community. Emerging in 19th-century Iran, the community's theological engagement with issues of justice, unity among humankind, and the emerging global order offers a unique and compelling perspective, yet one that has been relatively understudied. Spanning a 75-year period from 1945 to 2020, this book provides a comprehensive historical and contemporary analysis of the evolving relationship between religion and civil society in the modern world.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Berger sheds light on the ways in which the Bahai community has navigated historical challenges and emerged as a powerful force for social change. She explores the community's commitment to promoting peace, justice, and the well-being of humanity, and how its theological principles have influenced its engagement with global issues such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and interfaith dialogue.

The book also highlights the challenges and complexities faced by the Bahai community in navigating the political and social landscapes of different countries. Berger examines the community's efforts to maintain its identity and values while adapting to changing circumstances, and how it has sought to engage with governments and other stakeholders to promote its message of unity and peace.

In conclusion, Julia Berger's book offers a valuable contribution to the study of religion and civil society. By exploring the hidden structures and rationalities that shape NGO behavior, she provides a fresh perspective on the role of religion in shaping the modern world. Through the example of the Bahai community, she demonstrates the potential for religious organizations to be agents of positive change and to contribute to the development of a more just and peaceful society. This book is a must-read for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between religion and society in the contemporary era.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350130326