This is an illuminating and objective exploration of the role of religion in violence throughout history and culture. The phrase 'religious violence' often brings to mind dramatic and tragic events - the 9/11 attacks, riots between Hindus and Muslims in India, religious genocide in Africa, and as far back as the Crusades. But, as this illuminating in-depth study shows, violence connected with religion is a phenomenon that encompasses all cultures. Drawing on a wealth of case material, "Cruel Creeds, Virtuous Violence" presents a balanced and objective examination of the many manifestations of religious violence - including sacrifice, self-mortification, religious persecution, ethno-religious conflicts, and religious war - to reveal why certain kinds of religious ideas and practices contribute to certain types of violence.
