Little would be achieved if the course were taught from either a culturally or historically descriptive approach. Power in this context refers to the ability of religion to establish group cohesion or solidarity, to foster group identification and to influence the political balance of power within and between groups. A historical and comparative survey of religion as power is relevant to us as citizens of a prominent nation since contemporary political decisions, which either directly or indirectly influence U.S. foreign policy, are never made in the abstract but in the light of past events and cultural values. Responsible citizens, therefore, must be aware of them. A chronological narrative of events, in spite of the earlier comments, could be an informative approach but it would lack the imperative and excitement.
Facts have no innate organization or purpose.
They derive these from an interpreter's perspective or theme. The course format follows this line of reasoning. Therefore, power will be discussed in the light of some specific contemporary happening. The selection and organization of the facts presented will arise out of the need to reconstruct the events that have led up to the situation under consideration. In what could be labeled a series of flashbacks, the center of current attention will be explained.