The Ambivalence of the Sacred

Scott Appleby’s book provides a timely, clear, and highly perceptive treatment of why and how religion has, especially since the end of the Cold War, gravitated to the center of the discussion of international affairs. . . . There is no doubt that this volume will be the centerpiece henceforward of an important new discussion on ‘religion, violence, and reconciliation.’ -- David Little, United States Institute of Peace
In this volume [Appleby] seeks to balance the overall picture by focusing on the success stories and peacebuilding initiatives buried inside the newspapers, embedded in a largely untold past, and emerging piecemeal in the final years of this genocidal century. This is a kind of compensatory history, urgently needed in the contemporary debate, and it carries enormous implications for the way we think about religion’s complex role, and undeniable potential, in preventing deadly conflict and in rebuilding communities shattered by violence. -- Theodore M. Hesburgh
I have found myself deeply impressed by the persuasiveness of its argument and by the wide-ranging case studies it contains. I can here only hint at the rich and varied resourses he provides in abundance to enable us to be both more faithful interpreters of our own traditions and to be more strategic in our peacemaking. -- Paul Deats * Fellowship *
Appleby is extremely knowledgeable about movements, conflicts and personalities. Ambivalence of the Sacred contains rich veins of information about the complex relationship of religion, violence and peacemaking. It provides dozens of detailed portraits of personalities and religious movements that put faces on anonymous groups. * America: The Jesuit Review of Faith & Culture *
In this current important book—not limited to conservative movements— Appleby uses case studies, careful analysis, and a highly readable narrative style to present religion's role in contemporary peacemaking and warmaking. * CHOICE *
Appleby’s book should be required reading for all academic specialists in international relations and for practitioners of diplomacy as well. It provides a careful study of the interaction of religion with political life in many parts of the world today. It does this with a strong understanding of the differences and similarities among the major world religions and among the different civilizational contexts within which these religions function. . . . There is nothing quite like it for presenting the plusses and minuses of the role of religion on the world stage today. -- David Hollenbach S.J., Georgetown University
Is a treasure trove of information on religious activists around the world, many little known even to an informed public. * The Christian Century *
Scott Appleby has produced a work of considerable scholarship as he seeks to explore the painful and paradoxical relationship between religion, destructive conflict and peace in the contemporary world. * Peace News *
Scott Appleby has produced a work of considerable scholarship as he seeks to explore the painful and paradoxical relationship between religion, destructive conflict and peace in the contemporary world. The real ground-breaking value of this work lies in the exploration of the variety of roles performed by religious institutions, communities and individuals in conflict transformation. * Ethnic Conflict Research Digest *
Richly researched and wide-ranging book. What Appleby has done in this finely nuanced inquiry is to assemble an impressive array of documentation, both historical and bibliographical, along with a preliminary means of sorting out key variables. Students, teachers, and people seeking to develop religious engagement in programs of conflict transformation are all in his debt. * Theological Studies *
This book is that rare thing, a scholarly work which also makes a powerful impact on the interiority of the reader. It should be required reading not only for diplomats and specialists in international relations but also for religious studies students. * The Heythrop Journal *
In The Ambivalence of the Sacred, R. Scott Appleby expands the definitions associated with religious organizations and clarifies the roles they play in national politics, conflict and peace. Appleby thoroughly supports his thesis. He establishes clear definitions, argues powerfully for reconciliation and clearly delineates the legitimiacy that religious activists wo pursue it already enjoy. * Military Review *
A rich and rewarding volume. * Ethics: An International Journal of Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy *
The book is scholarly, with ample references, but the topic is not overly technical, and the writing is clear and accessible. * Research News and Opportunities In Science and Theology *
For those weary of the secularist charge that religion has a unique capacity to produce violence, Scott Appleby's new book is a refreshing, moderate voice. * Pro Ecclesia *