Beneath the histories of religious traditions--from biblical wars to crusading ventures and great acts of martyrdom--violence has lurked as a shadowy presence. Images of death have never been far from the heart of religion's power to stir the imagination. In this wide-ranging and erudite book; Mark Juergensmeyer asks one of the most important and perplexing questions of our age: Why do religious people commit violent acts in the name of their god; taking the lives of innocent victims and terrorizing entire populations? This; the first comparative study of religious terrorism; explores incidents such as the World Trade Center explosion; Hamas suicide bombings; the Tokyo subway nerve gas attack; and the killing of abortion clinic doctors in the United States. Incorporating personal interviews with World Trade Center bomber Mahmud Abouhalima; Christian Right activist Mike Bray; Hamas leaders Sheik Yassin and Abdul Azis Rantisi; and Sikh political leader Simranjit Singh Mann; among others; Juergensmeyer takes us into the mindset of those who perpetrate and support violent acts. In the process; he helps us understand why these acts are often associated with religious causes and why they occur with such frequency at this moment in history. Terror in the Mind of God places these acts of violence in the context of global political and social changes; and posits them as attempts to empower the cultures of violence that support them. Juergensmeyer analyzes the economic; ideological; and gender-related dimensions of cultures that embrace a central sacred concept--cosmic war--and that employ religion to demonize their enemies. Juergensmeyer's narrative is engaging; incisive; and sweeping in scope. He convincingly shows that while; in many cases; religion supplies not only the ideology but also the motivation and organizational structure for the perpetrators of violent acts; it also carries with it the possibilities for peace.Los Angeles Times Best Nonfiction Book of 2000
#2076234 in Books 1999-07-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.00 x 1.25 x 7.00l; 2.09 #File Name: 0520210247400 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Mother Goddess of PhrygiaBy Susan E. WoodThis is a book I needed for my research; and I was glad to find a second-hand copy in good condition. This is a serious scholarly work about the cult of the mother goddess in ancient Phrygia (now central Turkey) and its reception into Greek and Roman culture. You won't find any new-age mysticism here about Mother Earth; you will find a thorough presentation of the evidence to be found from archaeology; inscriptions; and ancient literature. This is not a book directed at the general reader; but if you are studying this subject you will find it well-written and readable. My only complaint is that the photographs are so poorly reproduced in hrainy black and white. On the other hand; hood photos of most of the monuments are available on the web where tesearchers can look them up as needed.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Very interesting!By MagitaA most valuable book;and very intersting by a writer with an unique knowledge!This example was nice and clean; like new! Thank you!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thank you!By Lily WhiteThank you!
