Religion and Conflict: A Critical Inquiry

The Question of Universal Religion

• There is a common assumption that all societies universally share a phenomenon called "religion"
• This assumption persists despite claims that modernization would lead to a decline in religion
• Studies of religion aim to provide answers to questions concerning its universality and presence across societies

The Wars of Religion and the Liberal Narrative

• Scholarship on the "wars of religion" in early modern Europe parallels current questions concerning culture and religion in international relations
• These "wars" are attributed to the inherent risk of conflict when religion is intertwined with politics
• Liberalism often portrays these wars as evidence that secular state intervention is crucial to prevent religious conflict

Challenging the Liberal Narrative

• The text questions the simplistic notion that religion inevitably leads to war, intolerance, and political upheaval
• Historical events involving religion are not limited to specific geographical areas, socio-economic contexts, or levels of development
• Religion persists as a significant factor in political discourse, even in highly modern societies like the United States

Religion's Reemergence as a Global Force

• The resurgent presence of religion in societies around the world is evident empirically and theoretically
• Historically, religion played a less prominent role in politics during the 1950s and 1960s, but its influence has become increasingly visible in contemporary times
• Recognizing the significance of religion in contemporary politics requires both empirical observation and critical examination of theoretical frameworks

The Broader Role of Religion in Politics

• The text argues that religion has always been a part of politics and society, particularly in the Global South
• Religion, as a fundamental aspect of human experience, is embedded within social and cultural dimensions
• The author suggests that social scientists, freed from ideological biases, can now better observe and understand religion's historical and political presence

The Dilemma of Identity and Development

• Developing countries have faced a challenge of balancing their own cultures and religions with the appeal of Western modernity
• Post-independence efforts in many countries often prioritized development and modernization, often at the expense of indigenous cultures
• Western values and assumptions about democracy, secularism, and progress became dominant during this period

The Failure of Secular Modernization

• The pursuit of Western-style modernization and secular governance often fell short of producing democracy and economic advancement
• The absence of progress led to a decline in political integrity, including increased corruption and authoritarianism
• These failures created space for the emergence of "political religion" or "politicized religion," where faith became more central to political discourse

Authenticity and Development

• The global resurgence of religion is linked to a search for authenticity and development in the developing world
• The decline of traditional values and Western-style modernity triggered a broader reassessment of religion's role
• Faith provided a sense of meaning and identity in a world where modernization had brought about disillusionment and uncertainty

Religion and Critique of Modernity

• The global resurgence of religion is characterized by a reexamination of the relationship between faith and secular modernity
• This resurgence reflects a deeper critique of the shortcomings of a solely rational and materialistic worldview
• It challenges the dominant narratives of progress and development, urging a more holistic approach that embraces the spiritual and sacred

The Narrative of Religious Resurgence

• Authors like Kepel argue that the resurgence of religion is not merely a reactionary response to modernization
• It can also be viewed as a critique of the dominant historical trends, questioning issues of global modernity, authenticity, and development
• This critique encompasses both developed and developing countries, pointing to a global conversation about the role and relevance of faith in a modern world