When Religion Becomes Evil

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Harper Collins, Sep 3, 2002 - Philosophy - 240 pages

A leading religion and mid–East expert presents a much–needed analysis of the factors of corruption in religion that lead to evil and violence in the world. Working across traditions and through history, he shows how all religious traditions are susceptible to five basic corruptions and why only authentic faith can prevent such evil.

Religious persuasions are indisputably central factors in the escalation of evil and violence on the global scene栮d hence a growing subject of popular concern and debate. Many argue that religion is the chief source of problems in the world today. Central to this debate is the need to distinguish between "corrupt" forms of religious expression and the "authentic" forms that offer real correctives and solutions to this global threat.

Religion and mid–East politics expert Charles Kimball offers a timely examination of the nature and signs of religious evil. while outlining the correctives to these Examples include Muslims seeking an Islamic state, Jewish settlers and extremists in Israel and the Christian Reconstructionist movement in America.

 

Contents

one Is Religion the Problem?
15
two Absolute Truth Claims
41
three Blind Obedience
71
four Establishing the Ideal Time
100
five The End Justifies Any Means
126
six Declaring Holy War
154
seven An Inclusive Faith Rooted in a Tradition
186
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About the author (2002)

Charles Kimball is a professor of comparative religion at Wake Forest University. An ordained Baptist minister who received his doctorate from Harvard University in comparative religion with specialization in Islamic studies, Dr. Kimball is the author of three books about religion in the Middle East.