This complete overview of religious studies provides students with the essential knowledge and tools they need to explore and understand the nature of religion.

• Covers the early development of religion, with overviews of major and minor religions from Islam to Scientology
• Considers recent developments including secularization; the relationship between religion and science; and scientific studies on religion, health, and mystical experience
• Uses humor throughout, allowing students to remain open-minded to the subject
• Explains what it means to study religion...

The struggle for political legitimacy in many Middle Eastern countries today poses a dilemma for ruling elites. In order to maintain authority, leaders often must capitulate to Islamic universalist dogma, which may conflict with their own views of the state as well as threaten the legitimacy of other leaders in the region who are attempting to establish a secular, national basis for government. Tracing the roots of this dilemma in Middle Eastern history and Islamic philosophy, Dr. Sonn compares the contemporary Middle Eastern period to Europe’s “Age of Religious Wars†that...