"This rich and engaging book looks at instances of sanctified
violence, the holy wars related to religion. It covers it all, from
ancient to present day, including examples of warfare among Sikhs,
Hindus and Buddhists, as well as Christians, Jews and Muslims. It
is a comprehensive and readable overview that provides a lively
introduction to the subject of holy war in its broadest sense—as
'sanctified violence' in the service of a god or ideology. It is
certain to be a useful companion in the classroom, and a boon to
anyone fascinated by the dark attraction of religion and violence."
—Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa
BarbaraContents:Introduction: What Is Holy War?•Chapter 1: Holy
Wars in Mythic Time, Holy Wars as Metaphor, Holy Wars as
Ritual•Chapter 2: Holy Wars of Conquest in the Name of a
Deity•Chapter 3: Holy Wars in Defense of the Sacred•Chapter 4: Holy
Wars in Anticipation of the Millennium Epilogue: Holy Wars Today
and TomorrowAlso included are a description of the Critical Themes
in World History series, Preface, index, and suggestions for
further reading.