Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
PART I. RECLAIMING RELIGION FOR POLITICAL SCIENCEChapter 1. Introduction: why we need political science of religion 1.1. The dominant approaches1.2. Why are these approaches dysfunctional for political science?1.3. Conclusion
Chapter 2. Political science of religion: demarcating the field 2.1. The principles of political science of religion2.2. Religion as a subject of political science2.3. Religious groups as political actors2.4. Theoretical perspectives2.5. Conclusion
PART II. THEOCRACIES
Chapter 3. Religious legitimation of power and the concept of theocracy3.1. The legitimation of power3.2. A legitimation-based concept of theocracy3.3. Origins and stability of theocratic regimes3.4. Sacralisation of power3.5. The function of religious doctrines3.6. Conclusion
Chapter 4. Theocracies as political systems 4.1. Succession procedures4.2. Institutional regime4.3. Mechanisms of political control4.4. Conclusion
PART III. RELIGION IN DEMOCRACIES
Chapter 5. Here to stay: the role of religion in contemporary politics5.1. The changing position of religion. 5.2. Against the odds: the survival of religion in democratic politics.5.3. The special status of religion.5.4. Political strategies of religious actors 5.5. Religion and political conflict. 5.6. Conclusion.
Chapter 6. Veto players and stakeholders: religion in Polish and American politics6.1. Two models of religion-inspired political action: the conceptualization 6.2. Poland since 1989: Catholic Church as a veto player6.3 American churches as political stakeholders6.4. ConclusionEpilogue