Terror in the Mind of God
Book Description
In an era where religious violence dominates headlines, understanding the complex relationship between faith and terror becomes essential for anyone seeking deeper spiritual wisdom. Mark Juergensmeyer embarks on a groundbreaking exploration of one of humanity's most troubling paradoxes: how sacred traditions that promise peace and transcendence can inspire devastating acts of violence.
Through extensive interviews with perpetrators and supporters of religious terrorism, including figures connected to major attacks like the World Trade Center bombing and Tokyo subway gas incident, this comprehensive study reveals the psychological and cultural forces that transform spiritual devotion into destructive action. The author examines how concepts of cosmic warfare emerge within religious communities, creating frameworks that justify violence against perceived enemies.
Rather than simply condemning these acts, Juergensmeyer investigates the broader social, economic, and ideological conditions that give rise to cultures of violence. He traces how religious imagery and symbolism become weaponized, yet also demonstrates how these same traditions contain profound resources for peace and reconciliation.
This analytical journey spans multiple faith traditions and global contexts, offering readers crucial insights into the darker aspects of religious experience while illuminating pathways toward healing and understanding. For those committed to spiritual growth, this work provides essential knowledge about how sacred power can be both corrupted and redeemed, making it invaluable for anyone seeking to navigate faith's complexities in our interconnected world.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 316 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Terrorisme
- ✓ Explore Violence
- ✓ Explore Gewalt
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Aspect religieux
- ✓ Explore Gewalttätigkeit
- ✓ Explore 89.58 political violence
- ✓ Explore Comparative Religion
