Religion and Social Policy

(Paperback)

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What is the role of religion in creating the rules of society What should religion's role be Religion in industrialized countries often appears as a private, personal matter while issues of social justice are worked out in a secular public sphere. But increasingly both policymakers and religious leaders are becoming aware of the role religious values play at the local, national and international levels. Religion and Social Policy explores how religious concerns influence those who shape and those who are shaped by policies. It queries the social teachings of global denominations and local congregations, as well as the implicit religious stances taken by national governments and international NGOs. Broad issues such as religious tolerance, globalization, multiculturalism, gender roles and economic inequality are carefully grounded with practical examples. For students of religion, sociology, politics or public policy, Religion and Social Policy offers an excellent overview of how the sacred and the secular mix in both the theory and practice of creating a just society. Visit the editor's web page

Reviews

Nesbitt'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 *
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 *