edited by John D. Carlson and Erik C. Owens
contributions by R. Scott Appleby, John D. Carlson, Robert L. Gallucci, Paul J. Griffiths, J. Bryan Hehir, John D. Carlson, Erik C. Owens, Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, Fred Dallmayr, Erik C. Owens, James P. McCarthy, Margaret O’Brien Steinfels, Jean Bethke Elshtain, John Kelsay and Robin W. Lovin
foreword by Jean Bethke Elshtain
afterword by Joshua Mitchell
Georgetown University Press, 2003
Paper: 978-0-87840-908-2
Library of Congress Classification BL65.I55S33 2003
Dewey Decimal Classification 291.1787

ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK

Until September 11th, 2001, few in the West fully appreciated the significance of religion in international politics. The terrible events of that day refocused our attention on how thoroughly religion and politics intermingle, sometimes with horrific results. But must this intermingling always be so deadly? The Sacred and the Sovereign brings together leading voices to consider the roles that religion should—and should not—play in a post-Cold War age distinguished by humanitarian intervention, terrorism, globalization, and challenges to state sovereignty. But these challenges to state sovereignty have deep and abiding roots in religion that invite us to revisit just what values we hold sacred.

Offsetting the commonly shared idea that religion is politics' perennial nemesis, this volume demonstrates that religious traditions, institutions, and ideas are essential elements of the political quest for human rights, peace, order, legitimacy, and justice. The Sacred and the Sovereign brings distinguished scholars of religious studies, theology, and politics together with ranking members of the military and government to reflect seriously about where—and if—safe boundaries can be drawn between religion and politics in the international arena.