Encyclopedia of Religion and War

Description

The Encyclopedia of Religion and War, the fifth volume in the Religion & Society series, provides authoritative information about the history of religious wars and violence around the world and across cultures. It does not examine religious teachings on love, ­compassion, or benevolent service. Instead, it provides authoritative ­historical and cross-cultural information that will help readers understand war and other forms of political violence in the major religions of the world.

“Exploring the complex relationship between war and religion, this substantial volume offers more than 130 alphabetically ­arranged entries that discuss major religions, cultures, groups, and events, and attitudes toward killing human beings. These ­articles, contributed by international scholars, present the historical perspective of changing proscriptions against and sanctioned reasons for war throughout a religion’s or culture’s development and current teachings. Some entries describe major social revolts, wars, or persecutions. The religious elements tied to these movements are revealed in the discussions. Pacifistic groups such as Anabaptists, Quakers, Babí or Baha’i adherents, and Mennonites also take their places among the articles. . . . This volume is a comprehensive resource for historical and current views of many significant religions in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa.” —School Library Journal

Editor Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez is the director of the Dr. James Dale Ethics Center at Youngstown State University in Ohio.