When Religion Becomes Evil - Hardcover

Kimball, Charles

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060506539 ISBN 13: 9780060506537

Publisher: HarperOne, 2002

Synopsis

A leading religion and mid–East expert presents a much–needed analysis of the factors of corruption in religion that lead to evil and violence in the world. Working across traditions and through history, he shows how all religious traditions are susceptible to five basic corruptions and why only authentic faith can prevent such evil.

Religious persuasions are indisputably central factors in the escalation of evil and violence on the global scene栮d hence a growing subject of popular concern and debate. Many argue that religion is the chief source of problems in the world today. Central to this debate is the need to distinguish between "corrupt" forms of religious expression and the "authentic" forms that offer real correctives and solutions to this global threat.

Religion and mid–East politics expert Charles Kimball offers a timely examination of the nature and signs of religious evil. while outlining the correctives to these Examples include Muslims seeking an Islamic state, Jewish settlers and extremists in Israel and the Christian Reconstructionist movement in America.

About this title

About the Author:

Charles Kimball is a professor of comparative religion at Wake Forest University. An ordained Baptist minister who received his doctorate from Harvard University in comparative religion with specialization in Islamic studies, Dr. Kimball is the author of three books about religion in the Middle East.

Review:

“A wise, perceptive, and fair assessment ... Just the book for today’s and tomorrow’s journey of faith.” (Walter Harrelson, Professor emeritus, Vanderbilt University)

“A bold, powerful, truth-telling analysis of the ways in which religions can become destructive.” (Diana L. Eck, author of A New Religious America)

“Effectively confronts, analyzes and explores the maddeningly diffuse forms of religious impulse...” (Rev. Ken Sehested, executive director of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America and co-editor of "Peace Primer: Quotes from Christian and Islamic Scripture and Tradition")

“Charles Kimball has uttered a cry that resonates like ‘a fire bell in the night.’ ” (Arthur Hertzberg, Bronfman Visiting Professor of Humanities, New York University)

“I cannot imagine a more timely or insightful book for the time in which we live.” (Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.))

“Dr. Kimball writes insightfully and prophetically... The book will inform and stimulate...” (Bill J. Leonard, Dean, Wake Forest University Divinity School)

“Required reading for all who would understand the age in which we live.” (John L. Esposito, author of Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam and What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam)

“There are few people as uniquely equipped to speak to our need for understanding world religions and faith.” (Hardy Clemons, Former Moderator, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship)

“Exactly the book that is needed right now.....Clear, passionate, and full of wisdom...” (Kenneth Cracknell, Professor of Theology and Global Studies, Brite Divinity School)

“A powerful and even-handed moral analysis of the abuses that are found in all major religious traditions.” (Carl W. Ernst, Zachary Smith Professor of Religious Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill)

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperOne
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0060506539
• ISBN 13: 9780060506537
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256