In the Name of God: The Role of Religion in the Modern World

Book Description

Through the lens of history's most pivotal moments, Selina O'Grady invites readers on a profound exploration of how religious tolerance and intolerance have shaped our modern world. This comprehensive examination traces the complex relationship between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism across centuries, revealing patterns that continue to influence global dynamics today.

O'Grady weaves together compelling narratives from historical chronicles, stories, and poetry to illuminate the experiences of both persecutors and the persecuted. Readers encounter fascinating figures like Umar, the seventh-century Islamic caliph who established groundbreaking rules for treating religious minorities within a vast empire, and Magna Carta John, who surprisingly contemplated converting to Islam. The journey continues through the rise of al-Wahhab, whose alliance with the house of Saud created lasting religious and political structures, and extends to Europe's devastating Thirty Years War, which fundamentally altered the continent's relationship with faith.

Rather than offering simple answers, O'Grady poses essential questions about whether tolerance alone can bridge the divides between post-Christian and Islamic worlds, or if deeper understanding is required. Her intertwined historical narratives reveal how past events continue to echo in contemporary religious and political tensions.

For readers seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural forces that shape our interconnected world, this work provides invaluable insights into the ongoing role of religion in modern society and the possibilities for greater mutual understanding.