The New Wars of Religion: Today's World Run Amok

THE NEW WARS OF RELIGION says the headline on the November 3rd-9th edition of The Economist -- one of the world's most articulate periodicals -- in a special 18 page report on faith and politics. It is an issue not to be missed. In fact, it may be one of the most important magazine pieces of the past 20 years.

In this special section are reports and observations on the situation around the world as it relates to the doctrines of humanity's religions and spiritual traditions. The several stories in this section present a vivid picture of where we are on this planet in terms of simply getting along with each other. (And we aren't doing very good with that.)

The turning point in the global confrontation with and between religions came, the section's lead article points out, "long before Osama bin Laden declared his jihad on Jews and Crusaders." The turning point was the six day war of 1967, which marked "a crushing defeat for secular pan-Arabism; meanwhile, Israel's 'miraculous' triumph gave God a stronger voice in its politics, emboldening the settler movement. In the same year a Hindu nationalist party won 9.4% of the vote in India."

By the end of the 1970s, the magazine article asserts, "this counter-revolution was in full swing."

You must read this story, and the several that follow in this remarkable special section, to get the full picture. The magazine asks an important question: Why has religion's power seemed to keep on increasing?

"The first reason is a series of reactions and counterreactions," the story suggests. Second, the latest form of modernity--globalization--has propelled religion forward. For traditionalists, faith has acted as a barrier against change."

This is far too detailed, far too comprehensive a series of articles to adequately summarize here. It is informative and important enough for me to simply tell you about it -- and to urge, encourage, invite, scream at you, to read it. If you want to know more about the world and why it is the way it is...and what role organized religions are playing in making it that way...this is more than good reason. This is required reading.

If it's gone from the newsstands by the time you read this, check it out online at www.economist.com.