Artikelomschrijving

In the new edition of this widely praised text, Alan Aldridgeexamines the complex realities of religious belief, practice andinstitutions. Religion is a powerful and controversial force in thecontemporary world, even in supposedly secular societies. Almostall societies seek to cultivate religions and faith communities assources of social stability and engines of social progress. Theyalso try to combat real and imagined abuses and excess, regulatingcults that brainwash vulnerable people, containing fundamentalismthat threatens democracy and the progress of science, andidentifying terrorists who threaten atrocities in the name ofreligion. The third edition has been carefully revised to make sure it isfully up to date with recent developments and debates.