Description
Book SynopsisExplores how religious concerns influence those who shape and those who are shaped by policies. This work queries the social teachings of global denominations and local congregations, as well as the implicit religious stances taken by national governments and international NGOs.
Trade ReviewNesbitt's work stands as an important resource for anyone interested in the role of religion in social change, politics, law, and globalization. It makes a significant contribution in both its breadth and depth of coverage in addressing the role of religion in social policy formation processes. -- William A. Mirola, Marion College * Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review *
This collection of essays...is a welcome exploration of the nature and role of religious arguments, language, worldviews, assumptions, and leadership in public affairs, especially in the crafting and implementation of social policy and legislation...An important volume for library collections, it will also be useful in...upper-level undergraduate, graduate level, and scholarly and professional settings. -- Christopher Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College * Religious Studies Review, Vol. 29, # 3 (July 2003) *
This book reflects a wide range of topics dealing with various aspects of religion and social policy in different settings around the world. All 15 chapters are interesting in their own right and are intended for a broad audience of scholars, practitioners, and laypersons interested in religion, politics, and social policy....The complex and varied aspects of the relationship between religion and social policy as documented in this collection makes it difficult to summarize and evaluate the book. But this diversity is one of the book's appealing features and makes it well worth reading; Paula Nesbitt deserves our gratitude. -- D. Paul Johnson, Texas Tech University * Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Religion and Social Policy: Fresh Concepts Part 2 I. Religious Freedom, Identity and Global Social Policy Chapter 3 1. Globalization, Social Policy, and Christianity at the Dawn of a New Millenium: Some Reflections from a Latin American Emigrant Perspective Chapter 4 2. Public Policy Toward Minority Religions in the United States: A Model for Europe and Other Countries? Chapter 5 3. The Tension between an Established Church and Equal Opportunites in Religion: The Case of Prison Chaplaincy Chapter 6 4. American Indian Religious Identity and Advanced Colonial Maligancy Chapter 7 5. Tensions, Religious Freedom, and the Courts: The Seventh-day Adventist Experience Part 8 II. Religion and Social Domestic Policies Chapter 9 6. Immigrant Congregations as Social Service Providers: Are They Saftey Nets for Welfare Reform? Chapter 10 7. Islam, Women's Organizations and Political Rights for Women Chapter 11 8. Woman Abuse and Faith Communities: Religion, Violence and the Provision of Social Welfare Chapter 12 9. Work and Its Discontents: Two Cases of Contemporary Religious Response to Unemployment Chapter 13 10. Religious Judicatories and Social Policy Advocacy Part 14 III. Further Local and Global Complexities Chapter 15 11. Putting it Together in the African American Churches: Faith, Economic Development and Civil Rights Chapter 16 12. Civic Challenge of Virtual Exchatology: Heaven's Gate and Millenial Fever in Cyberspace Chapter 17 13. Religion, Race and Community Organizing: The Movimento Negro in the Roman Catholic Church in Brazil Chapter 18 14. Religious Syncretism and a Post-Imperial Source of Healing in Korea Chapter 19 15. The Future of Religious Pluralism and Social Policy: Reflections from Lambeth and Beyond
