Religion and Global Order

As the new millenium dawns, religion is again attracting attention as a public and not just a private matter. This book deals with religion’s contribution to such critical issues for humanity’s future as international order and political stability, Third World development and safeguarding the environment, as well as its challenge to the major modern ideologies of socialism and liberalism.

The process of global change which is challenging the state’s traditional role in international relations is usually seen in terms of economic and technological development. It is also associated with the spreading of modern (Western) consumerist cultural values. Little attention has been paid to the consequences to religion of a process which is affecting not only institutions but also collective values and beliefs. This book addresses the diverse and complex questions raised by a consideration of the relationship of religion to global order. It also assesses the prospects for religion and its likely content in the twenty-first century.