Religious concerns stand at the center of international politics, yet key paradigms in international relations, namely realism, liberalism, and constructivism, barely consider religion in their analysis of political subjects. The essays in this collection rectify this. Authored by leading scholars, they introduce models that integrate religion into the study of international politics and connect religion to a rising form of populist politics in the developing world. Contributors identify religion as pervasive and distinctive, forcing a reframing of international relations theory that reinterprets traditional paradigms. One essay draws on both realism and constructivism in the examination of religious discourse and transnational networks. Another positions secularism not as the opposite of religion but as a comparable type of worldview drawing on and competing with religious ideas. With the secular state's perceived failure to address popular needs, religion has become a banner for movements that demand a more responsive government. The contributors to this volume recognize this trend and propose structural and theoretical innovations for future advances in the discipline.

In Religion to Relationship, author Mary Combs writes her personal journey from whole-heartedly following a "religion" for decades, before she finally realized there is more to a religion than merely going through the motions. There is a personal, fulfilling, and trusting relationship waiting to flourish with our Creator, but it requires a personal effort from each and every believer. Combs' ultimate desire in writing Religion to Relationship is to motivate readers toward spiritual renewal and change. Her hope is her personal testimony within the pages of Religion to Relationship will help those who may be awakening that they are involved in a religious system that is no different than what the Pharisees were in Jesus' day. Religious systems have become so complicated and have bound the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ with their manmade rules, dogmas, doctrines and manipulative and controlling maneuvers, as well as clever twisting of the scripture. Most churches today are hardly recognizable as the vision Jesus wanted for His church. Religion to Relationship will calm any fear, doubt, or unbelief in the hearts of those who know they are in religious bondage, yet struggle for escape. Mary Combs was born into a Christian home and raised in Los Angeles. She gave her heart to the Lord at six years old and shortly afterward she was called of God to be in ministry. She and her husband have been married over 50 years and been in pastoral ministry in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, California and Arizona. They have also worked on staff at the Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York. Currently, they travel and mentor other pastors and leaders in ministry and speak nationwide."

Hugh Goddard investigates the history of the relationships between Christians and Muslims over the centuries.

The introduction provides students with an overview of four key issues that are at stake when choosing an approach to studying religion in a multidisciplinary context.

Evolution, Chance, and God looks at the relationship between religion and evolution from a philosophical perspective. This relationship is fascinating, complex and often very controversial, involving myriad issues that are difficult to keep separate from each other. Evolution, Chance, and God introduces the reader to the main themes of this debate and to the theory of evolution, while arguing for a particular viewpoint, namely that evolution and religion are compatible, and that, contrary to the views of some influential thinkers, there is no chance operating in the theory of evolution, a conclusion that has great significance for teleology. One of the main aims of this book is not simply to critique one influential contemporary view that evolution and religion are incompatible, but to explore specific ways of how we might understand their compatibility, as well as the implications of evolution for religious belief. This involves an exploration of how and why God might have created by means of evolution, and what the consequences in particular are for the status of human beings in creation, and for issues such as free will, the objectivity of morality, and the problem of evil. By probing how the theory of evolution and religion could be reconciled, Sweetman says that we can address more deeply key foundational questions concerning chance, design, suffering and morality, and God's way of acting in and through creation.

When people are interested in the spiritual life they are, 'de facto', saying: I deeply value relationships - relationships with themselves, others, and God. Spirituality and an appreciation of the relationships they have go hand in hand.Given this, when we turn to contemporary psychology, the school of thought which seems so naturally relevant and supportive to those interested in spiritual maturity is object relations theory. However, since this sophisticated approach to understanding the human person is quite complex in that it stands on the psychological shoulders of a great deal of previous psychoanalytic thought and practice, to mine this theoretical jewel and apply it to further the appreciation of one's own or someone else's spiritual life has been quite difficult for most people. And so, the development of a basic work on object relations theory and the spiritual life has been sorely needed.With this in mind, Michael St. Clair, the author of the widely-read and respected book 'Object Relations and Self Psychology', and a person possessing extensive theological background as well as graduate-level teaching and clinical experience in pastoral counseling and the integration of psychology and religion, was asked to prepare a book on the topic.The result is a volume that presents not only principles that are understandable and enlightening, but also psychological illustrations that offer a clear connection with religious experience. In addition, although St. Clair doesn't skirt the issues and controversies or subtle nuances that are open to question when one attempts an integration of psychology and spirituality from a particular vantage point, first and foremost this book is a practical work. In this regard it serves to be stimulating in one's reflection about the spiritual life: one's own and that of those persons who come to us for guidance.This volume provides a real service to those of us who wish to see in an intelligent way what contributions modern psychology from an object relations perspective can make to our efforts to walk honestly and faithfully with God as we walk with others.

In recent years, a number of scholars trained in the area of economics have begun to pay attention to a fascinating and increasingly important question: Does the interrelationship between religion and enterprise shape entrepreneurial decision making? Though religious groups can provide additional means for the generation of social capital, especially where ethnicity is strongly associated with specific religious adherence, it has been largely absent in economic discussions. Understanding the Relationship Between Religion and Entrepreneurship is a collection of innovative research on the methods and applications of religious theology on entrepreneurial decision making. While highlighting topics including women in business, religious marketing, and consumer behavior, this book is ideally designed for entrepreneurs, theologists, business managers, policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, academician, and students seeking current research on the economic impacts of religious beliefs and practices.