Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective: The One, the Few, and the Many

Religion is resurgent across the globe. In many countries it is a powerful source of political mobilization, and in some, potent social cleavage. In some, religion reinforces the state, while in others, it provides the space for resistance. This book contains a series of detailed studies examining religion and politics in specific countries or regions. The studies include countries with one dominant religious tradition, and others with two or more competing traditions. They encompass Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hinduism, Shinto, and Buddhism. They involve states where religion and politics are closely linked, and others with at least a basic separation between church and state.

"Jelen and Wilcox present a valuable collection of 14 essays dealing with the interaction between religion and politics in select countries.... [S]ocial scientists and political theorists will find much of value to assist them as they explore the social interplay between convictions of faith and affairs of state. Highly recommended." Choice