Religion and Conflict: A Critical Inquiry

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Questions and Answers

What has been a central theme in the interpretation of culture and religion in international relations post September 11?

The universal category of religion as a social activity

The distinct separation of state and religion in governance

Political mythology surrounding the wars of religion (correct)

The decline of religion with modernization

Which war is not considered in discussions about the wars of religion in early modern Europe?

Wars of the Roses

World War I (correct)

Thirty Years’ War

French Civil War

According to the discussed political myth, what effect does politicizing religion have?

Enhances social stability

Promotes international cooperation

Fosters cultural understanding

Inherently causes war and political upheaval (correct)

What role is attributed to the state in the context of religion and its political repercussions?

To save society from violent consequences of religion Signup and view all the answers

Which interpretation is often linked to fundamentalism and political extremism in modern discussions?

Political theology based on historical wars Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is suggested to have a universal aspect in society according to the content?

The existence of religion Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the relationship between modernization and religion?

Religion declines but does not disappear with modernization Signup and view all the answers

What historical events does the content associate with the narrative of religion's role in war?

Wars of Religion in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What do today's religious movements reveal about society?

They expose deep societal issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's analysis is closely aligned with Kepel's view on religious movements?

William James Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, the resurgence of religion cannot be simply viewed as what?

A fundamentalist reaction to globalization. Signup and view all the answers

What do Casanova's views suggest about the 'deprivatization' of modern religion?

It can be interpreted as critiques against modernity. Signup and view all the answers

What traditional categories are suggested to be insufficient for interpreting modern religious movements?

Traditional social theories. Signup and view all the answers

What role do love and self-opening play in understanding religion, according to Charles Taylor?

They facilitate understanding beyond mere intellectual grasping. Signup and view all the answers

Kepel’s working hypothesis emphasizes the relevance of what aspect in religious movements?

Their meaningfulness in society. Signup and view all the answers

In the context provided, what is implied about the relationship between religion and globalization?

Religion offers critiques of the processes associated with globalization. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma have developing countries faced since the period of colonial occupation?

Whether to prioritize cultural preservation or economic development. Signup and view all the answers

What was the belief of the first generation of Third World elites regarding strong states?

They could promote political stability and economic development. Signup and view all the answers

What did the modernizing mythology inherited from the West primarily emphasize?

Democracy, secularism, socialism, and nonalignment. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arose due to the failure of the secular, state-run nationalism in developing countries?

A resurgence of political religion or politicized religion. Signup and view all the answers

By the late 1960s, what was a notable consequence of the modernizing, secular state?

Political decay characterized by corruption and authoritarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the neo-liberal prescription of free markets have on developing countries?

It exacerbated inequality rather than fostering development. Signup and view all the answers

What has intensified the conflict between religious nationalism and secular nationalism in the 1990s?

The failure of secular, state-run nationalism to achieve democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the global resurgence of religion represent in the context of developing countries?

A search for authenticity and development. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries are mentioned as examples of successful Newly Industrialized Countries in the Pacific Rim?

South Korea and Malaysia Signup and view all the answers

What does the resurgence of religion in politics signify about its role in human life?

It suggests that the concerns of religion are an inevitable part of human existence. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach cannot be separated from the empirical approach to the global resurgence of religion?

Theoretical approach Signup and view all the answers

During which decades was religion considered a less important part of politics?

1950s and 1960s Signup and view all the answers

Which ideology was NOT mentioned as having colored or distorted the perceptions of social scientists regarding religion?

Empiricism Signup and view all the answers

What does the book adopt regarding the study of religion and politics?

An intermediary position Signup and view all the answers

Which region is highlighted as having a significant religious resurgence besides failed states or poverty-stricken areas?

Oil-rich Saudi Arabia Signup and view all the answers

How do scholars currently view the role of religion in politics compared to the past?

They acknowledge it as a more observable part of life now. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'great reversal' of the 1970s primarily associated with?

A loss of faith in science and modernity Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'liberal Protestantism' refer to?

An attempt to modernize Protestant beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the motivations behind the resurgence of religion identified by Gilles Kepel?

A desire to redefine the relationship between religion and modernity Signup and view all the answers

How does modernity relate to religion according to the text?

Modernity has often marginalized the role of spirituality. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did Thomas Friedman highlight as crucial for sustainable globalization?

Community and spiritual values Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon did Thomas Friedman experience while promoting his book on globalization?

Questions about the need for community and spiritual meaning Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the 'revenge of God' have on religion, according to Kepel?

It fueled the resurgence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Signup and view all the answers

Which event significantly advanced the modernization of Catholicism?

The Second Vatican Council Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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

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Description

Explore the complexities surrounding religion's role in society, warfare, and politics. This quiz challenges the liberal narrative that equates religion with inevitable conflict, providing a deeper understanding of its multifaceted presence in historical contexts. Delve into the dynamics of secularism and religious influence throughout history.