Reaping the Whirlwind

Pottenger, John R.

ISBN 10: 1589011694 / ISBN 13: 9781589011694

Published by Georgetown University Press, 2007

About this Item

Provides a survey of the historical and contemporary relationships between religious expression and liberal democracy in the modern world. This book explores contemporary case studies, such as conflicts between Mormons and Evangelicals in the United States, liberation theology in Latin America, Islam and the state in Uzbekistan, and more. Series: Religion and Politics Series. Num Pages: 352 pages. BIC Classification: 1KBB; HR; JPHV. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30. Weight in Grams: 681. . 2007. Hardback. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9781589011694

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Reaping the Whirlwind
• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1589011694
• ISBN 13: 9781589011694
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

As early as the sixteenth century the liberal democratic state has been forced to confront the question of religion in politics. The result has been a tense and uncomfortable balancing act. Today, in the public square of liberal democracy, a number of religious confessions and beliefs compete for attention. In the American experience, some sense of religious pluralism and relative social harmony has been maintained. However, for this relationship to prevail, a tension must continue to exist―one that balances the political and social pursuits of self-interest with meeting the objectives of the common good.

In Reaping the Whirlwind, John R. Pottenger shows how this process began in the modern world, and how societies attempt to manage this ongoing conflict. The first part of the book lays the groundwork of his analysis by using examples from history to demonstrate the genesis of political and religious "whirlwinds." It goes on to explore contemporary case studies, such as conflicts between Mormons and Evangelicals in the United States, liberation theology in Latin America, Islam and the state in Uzbekistan, and radical Christian reconstructionism.

Pottenger believes that the formal institutions of liberal democracy should maintain this turbulence, even as religious activism threatens to upset the balance. He concludes by advocating religious liberty and recognizing the individual and social need for expression. At the same time, he maintains that the survival of liberal democracy requires that these religious traditions not dominate the public sphere.

About the Author

John R. Pottenger is an associate professor of political science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He is the author of The Political Theory of Liberation Theology.