Religion, ethnicity, and social change

Book Description

In a world where ethnic conflicts often dominate headlines, many assume that religious fundamentalism alone drives these struggles while mainstream faiths remain neutral observers. This scholarly exploration challenges that comfortable assumption by examining how established religious institutions become deeply intertwined with ethnic identity and social transformation.

Through careful comparative analysis, this work reveals the complex relationship between faith communities and ethnic conflict by focusing on two significant case studies. The author examines the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, demonstrating how these mainstream Protestant denominations became integral participants in ethnic struggles rather than passive bystanders.

The book illuminates the intricate connections between religious and secular spheres during periods of rapid social change. Rather than existing in separate domains, spiritual institutions and ethnic identity prove to be deeply interdependent forces that shape each other in profound ways. This analysis moves beyond simplistic narratives about religious extremism to explore how conventional faith communities navigate their roles within broader social conflicts.

For readers seeking to understand the nuanced ways that spirituality intersects with identity and social transformation, this work offers valuable insights into how religious institutions both influence and respond to ethnic tensions. The comparative approach provides a framework for understanding these dynamics across different cultural contexts, revealing patterns that extend beyond any single conflict or denomination.