Rethinking Religion and Politics in a Plural World: The Bahai International Community and the United Nations

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In this book, Julia Berger examines internal meaning-making structures and processes driving NGO behavior, identifying constructs from within a religious tradition that forge new ways of pursuing social change. She evaluates the operation of a distinct rationality, arguing that action is guided not simply by beliefs and values, but also by a combination of elements so intrinsic as to constitute an organizational DNA. These hidden structures and rationalities manifest themselves in new modes of engagement and agency; they help us to see the pivotal role of religion in shaping notions of peace, progress, and modernity. To demonstrate the operation and salience of such a rationality, Berger draws on the example of the worldwide Bahai community. Emerging in 19th century Iran, the communitys theological engagement with questions of justice, the unity of humankind, and the emerging global order, constitute one of the most distinct and compelling, yet least-researched examples of religious engagement with the pressing questions of our time. Analyzing events spanning a 75-year period from 1945-2020, this book provides a unique historical and contemporary perspective on the evolving role of religion and civil society in the modern world.

Reviews

In addressing the Baha'i International Communitys engagement with the UN, Julia Berger does so much more. She highlights how the fundamental perspectives of this religious NGO (RNGO) shapes its goals, approaches, methodology, and contributions to wider society. This thought provoking and scholarly study is compelling in encouraging us to drop simplistic presumptions about RNGOs and acknowledge the resources from which they draw in contributing to the work of the UN. * Nazila Ghanea, Director of International Human Rights Law Programmes, University of Oxford, UK *
A thoughtful, earnest, well-researched look at a little-known phenomenon. * Jeffrey Haynes, Emeritus Professor, London Metropolitan University, UK *

Author Bio

Julia Berger holds a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Kent, UK. She is Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University, USA and serves as Executive Officer of the Association for Bahai Studies - North America. From 2004-2015, she was Principal Researcher at the Bahai International Communitys United Nations Office.