The Routledge Handbook of Religion, Mass Atrocity, and Genocide

The Routledge Handbook of Religion, Mass Atrocity, and Genocide explores the complex relationships between religion, faith, doctrine, and practice in societies where mass atrocity and genocide occur, offering an entry point to questions about these topics for people of faith and a comprehensive reference source for scholars. The handbook covers four millennia and 39 contributions from international contributors across five continents, examining central issues, historical events, debates, and problems related to religion and genocide, including the Crusades, Jihad and ISIS, colonialism, the Holocaust, desecration of ritual objects, politics of religion, Shinto nationalism, attacks on Rohingya Muslims, the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, responses to genocide, gender-based atrocities, ritualcide in Cambodia, burial sites and mass graves, transitional justice, forgiveness, documenting genocide, survivor memory narratives, post-conflict healing, and memorialization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Handbook of Religion, Mass Atrocity, and Genocide delves into the intricate and often complex ways in which religion, faith, doctrine, and practice intertwine in societies where mass atrocity and genocide occur. This comprehensive volume serves as a valuable entry point to questions about mass atrocity and genocide, both posed by and addressed to individuals of faith. It also serves as an invaluable reference source for exploring the key topics, historical events, and heated debates within this subject area. Comprising 39 contributions from a team of international scholars, the handbook spans five continents and covers four millennia. Each contribution explores the intersection of religion, faith, and state-sponsored mass atrocity and genocide, drawing from a diverse range of disciplines.

The handbook is organized into six core sections:

Genocide in Antiquity and Holy Wars: This section examines the historical context of genocide, including instances such as the Crusades, Jihad, and ISIS. It explores the role of religion in these conflicts and the impact of religious ideologies on the perpetration of genocide.

The Genocide of Indigenous Peoples: This section focuses on the genocide of indigenous peoples worldwide, examining the historical, cultural, and political factors that contribute to their marginalization and victimization. It also explores the resilience and resistance of indigenous communities in the face of genocide.

Religion and the State: This section explores the relationship between religion and the state, including the historical and contemporary challenges of religious freedom and tolerance. It examines the ways in which states have used religion to justify and perpetrate mass atrocity and genocide, as well as the efforts of religious organizations to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The Role of Religion during Genocide: This section examines the role of religion in facilitating and perpetuating mass atrocity and genocide. It explores the ways in which religious leaders, institutions, and communities can either support or oppose genocide, and the impact of religious beliefs and practices on the behavior of individuals and groups.

Post Genocide Considerations: This section examines the long-term consequences of genocide, including the process of healing, reconciliation, and memorialization. It explores the role of religion in these processes and the challenges faced by survivors and communities in rebuilding and rebuilding their lives.

Memory Culture: This section explores the cultural and social aspects of memory and forgetting in the context of mass atrocity and genocide. It examines the ways in which survivors, witnesses, and communities remember and commemorate these events, as well as the challenges of preserving and transmitting their memories for future generations.

The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Genocide is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in religion, genocide, religion and violence, and religion and politics. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between these phenomena and provides valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which they occur.

In conclusion, The Routledge Handbook of Religion, Mass Atrocity, and Genocide is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the intricate and often devastating intersection of religion, faith, and state-sponsored mass atrocity and genocide. By exploring the historical, cultural, and social factors that contribute to these crimes, the handbook provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by survivors, communities, and societies in the aftermath of genocide. It is an essential resource for students, researchers, and policymakers seeking to understand and address these complex issues.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032122748