Religion, Politics and Society: A Progressive Primer

Written by Karim F Hirji, a retired professor of Medical Statistics, Religion, Politics and Societyfocuses on the four major global religionsâ "Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islamâ "together with minor religions like the Ahmadiyya, Confucianism, Sikhism, Seventh Day Adventism and Traditional African Religion as well as on Secularism, New Age beliefs and the ancient Paleolithic and Neolithic era belief systems to explore the origin, spiritual import and social function of religion in human society. Utilizing the canons, beliefs, practices, history, eminent personages, institutions of the diverse faiths, it tackles matters like: How did the social function of religion evolve over time? How does religion relate to the power structure of society? Does religion promote or hinder social harmony, justice and equality? Under what circumstances? Is religion necessary for morality? What are the roots of interfaith conflict? How do modern religions and neoliberalism interact with each other? Does religion have a future? Can religion and secularism be harnessed for resolving the globally vexing yet pivotal concerns of human society? If so, how?

These and related issues are tackled with the help of a variety of past and contemporary individual level and broader type of richly illustrated examples. The role of women in religion a topic of focus throughout the text. The varied functions of religion under slavery, feudalism, capitalism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism. socialism, and neoliberalism are also attended to.

The foundational premise of this book is that while spiritual beliefs differ, all humans are equal in dignity and have equal rights. No religion is more exalted than others; there are no chosen people. We all belong to the global human family. Our religious and cultural diversity is a cause for celebration, not conflict.

Respectful in style and targeted towards the general and knowledgeable readers, Religion, Politics and Societyis the first of a two-book project. The second book, Religion, Science and the Pandemic, addresses the relationship between religion, science and mathematics and deals with role played by religion in the eugenic era and the corona virus pandemic. Unlike most books on the social function of religion, these two books shine a progressive, humanistic light on the subject matter.

The key objective of these books is to help uplift the quality and tenor of the current discourse on religion and explore how faith can promote human dignity, equality, social justice and harmony. They underscore the point that though a dialogue on religion and society has to be conducted in civil tones, it should not desist from bringing unsavory realities to the fore. A genuine consensus and peaceful coexistence cannot emerge from diluting the truth.