When God Stops Fighting: How Religious Violence Ends

Mark Juergensmeyer is an expert on religious violence and how it ends. His book "When God Stops Fighting" takes readers into the minds of religiously motivated militants to understand what leads to the transformation of their attitudes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Mark Juergensmeyer, a renowned expert on religious violence, has dedicated decades to understanding the worldviews of individuals involved in armed conflicts driven by religious beliefs. Despite the intensity and grand religious visions associated with violent movements, such as ISIS in Iraq, the Sikh Khalistan movement in India, and the Moro movement in the Philippines, Juergensmeyer's insights shed light on the eventual end of these movements. Through in-depth interviews with religiously motivated militants, Juergensmeyer delves into the minds of those once devoted to an all-out ideological war, exploring the factors that lead to drastic changes in their attitudes.

In his book, When God Stops Fighting, Juergensmeyer explores the transformative process that occurs when individuals who once embraced religious violence come to question and ultimately reject their previous beliefs. He provides a poignant account of the struggles and hardships faced by these individuals as they navigate the process of re-evaluating their worldview and finding a path towards peace and reconciliation.

One of the key themes that Juergensmeyer explores is the role of personal experiences and interactions in shaping the attitudes of religiously motivated militants. He highlights the impact of encounters with victims of violence, as well as the experiences of those who have abandoned the cause of religious extremism. These personal experiences often challenge the rigid ideological frameworks that underpin religious violence, leading to a shift in perspective and a willingness to seek alternative solutions.

Juergensmeyer also examines the broader social and political factors that contribute to the transformation of religious violence. He explores the role of governments, religious leaders, and social movements in promoting or discouraging violent extremism. He argues that successful efforts to end religious violence require a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying social, economic, and political grievances that fuel extremist ideologies.

Through his compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, Juergensmeyer offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of religious violence and its potential for transformation. When God Stops Fighting provides a roadmap for those seeking to promote peace and reconciliation in conflict-ridden societies, highlighting the importance of dialogue, empathy, and a willingness to address the root causes of religious extremism.

In conclusion, Mark Juergensmeyer's When God Stops Fighting is a gripping study that delves into the complex dynamics of religiously motivated violence and its eventual end. Through in-depth interviews with militants and a comprehensive analysis of social and political factors, Juergensmeyer offers valuable insights into the transformative process that occurs when individuals once devoted to all-out ideological war come to question and reject their previous beliefs. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of religious conflict and the potential for peace and reconciliation.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520384729