Politics and Religion
"Bruce is consistently rigorous and disciplined, literate and humane, as he brings the sociology of religion into the center of public issues and debate. A major contribution by a mature sociologist, this book should be required reading for all those concerned with the prospects for freedom and rationality in a frightened and frightening world."Richard K. Fenn, Princeton Theological Seminary"There are two things to be said about this book apart from the characteristic acumen, learning and clarity Steve Bruce brings to the major issues of religion and politics. First, that those who so often publicly air their views about the dire consequences of religion should here learn the kind of social scientific work they need to undertake to render mere opinion serious. Second, that it will be worth watching the reactions of all those involved in the intellectual scandal of political correctness to so trenchant, courageous and even-handed a treatment of "sensitive" topics."David D. Martin, London School of Economics"In many respects, this book contains all the hallmarks of Steve Bruce's writing: it is bold, provocative, clear and fluent...he [the author] has provided food for thought, and a welcome introduction to the place of religion in the modern world"Grace Davies, Church Times"I commend this book as a very good and judicious introduction and review of a contested and fraught subject: the inter-relationship between faith and politics."Theology"It contains a great deal of useful history and analysis, clearly presented, and it focuses on an insufficiently studied area of social science."Malcom Brown, Cambridge Theological Federation"Bruce draws on a dazzling array of cases across the globe and across time to explore the nature of the relationship between religion and politics...this is an excellent book. Its range is extraordinary, its arguments clearly laid out, and its writing clear and lucid."Clyde Wilcox, Political Science Quarterly"Steve Bruce'sReligion and Politicstakes a different approach to the question of religion's resurgence in the aftermath of the Cold War. A sociologist by training, he takes the reader through the role of religion in politics in an encyclopedic manner, using a comparative case study approach. ...It is here that reader begins to understand the enormous depth of his investigation-a quality that is maintained in each chapter. ...Religion and Politics[is] a welcome addition to a growing and much needed new body of scholarship in international relations.James F. Rinehart, Troy State University