The Religious and the Political : A Comparative Sociology of Religion

While the relationships between ethics and religion, and violence and politics, are of enduring interest, the interface between religion and violence is one of the most problematic features of the contemporary world. Following in the tradition of Max Weber's historical and comparative study of religions, this book explores the many ways in which religion and politics are both combined and separated across different world religions and societies. Through a variety of case studies including the monarchy, marriage, law and conversion, Bryan S. Turner explores different manifestations of secularization, and how the separation of church and state is either compromised or abandoned. He considers how different states manage religion in culturally and religiously diverse societies and concludes with a discussion of the contemporary problems facing the liberal theory of freedom of religion. The underlying theoretical issue is the conditions for legitimacy of rule in modern societies experiencing global changes (source : site de l'éditeur) While the relationships between ethics and religion, and violence and politics, are of enduring interest, the interface between religion and violence is one of the most problematic features of the contemporary world. Following in the tradition of Max Weber's historical and comparative study of religions, this book explores the many ways in which religion and politics are both combined and separated across different world religions and societies. Through a variety of case studies including the monarchy, marriage, law and conversion, Bryan S. Turner explores different manifestations of secularization, and how the separation of church and state is either compromised or abandoned. He considers how different states manage religion in culturally and religiously diverse societies and concludes with a discussion of the contemporary problems facing the liberal theory of freedom of religion. The underlying theoretical issue is the conditions for legitimacy of rule in modern societies experiencing global changes (source : site de l'éditeur) Fear of diversity: the origin of politics Charisma and church-state relations City, nation, and globe: the rise of the church and the citizen Religion and kingship: liturgies and royal rituals Religion and reproduction: marriage and family Conversion and the state Religion, state, and legitimacy: three dimensions of authority Buddhism and the political: the sangha and the state Confucianism and state ideology: China Religion, state, and Japanese exceptionalism: nihonjinron State and Turkish secularism: the case of the Diyanet / with Berna Zengin Arslan Popular religion and popular democracy The state and freedom of religion. "Religion and politics are two fundamental dimensions of human society, and yet they are often at loggerheads. Religion appears to belong to a different realm, signifying matters that are permanent and enduring, residing beyond the everyday. Politics appears to involve the secular struggle for power and influence, being driven by interest"-- Provided by publisher Religion and politics are fundamental dimensions of human society, yet they are often at loggerheads. The apparent differences are deceptive, because the two are inevitably entwined - both deeply concerned with control or regulation of everyday affairs. This book explores how and where they intersect in different religions and societies.