Encyclopedia of Religion and War is volume 5 of Routledge's series of Religion and Society encyclopedias. Religion has been a powerful element is many world conflicts throughout history, such as the Crusades or today's 'war on terrorism'. About 140 alphabetically-arranged entries cover five major topics: (1) The role of war in the development and spread of major religions, e.g. the role of war in the spread of Islam. Topics will also survey major world religions as well as sects such as the Quakers. (2) The role of religion in major wars, including specific events such as the Crusades. (3) Religious Wars in Europe (1559-1715), a topic most studied by historians and a primary component of European history courses. Coverage includes the French religious wars, the Schmalkaldic War, and the Thirty Years' War. (4) Theology and war including ideas such as holy war, jihad, total war, social gospel, just war, pacifism, nuclear war, and events such as the Sermon of the Mount and the Challenge of Peace pastoral letter. (5) Religious-based conflicts and wars in the contemporary world including Bosnia, Cyprus, Cote d'Ivoire, India, Indonesia, Kashmir, Kosovo, Kurdistan, Macedonia, Israel, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Chechnya, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tibet. Key Features * Primary source documents are offered in full or excerpted in sidebars * About 60 black and white illustrations (photos and art) * Each entry is contributed and signed by a scholar * Bibliographies and further reading suggestions throughout * Extensive internal cross references * Analytical index Abdulaziz Sachedina, University of Virginia, USA; Amir Hussain, Califonia State University, Northridge, USA; Azim Nanji, Institute of Ismaili Studies, UK; Barry Penn-Hollar

Author Biography

Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez, Youngstown State University.