Battleground: Religion

Is there a controversial issue in the contemporary world that does not involve religion? Whether it's a debate over the beginning of life, or on sexuality and family life, or on the stewardship of humans over the environment, almost all of the most contentious matters that impact today's society involve people's deeply held religious beliefs. Battleground: Religion helps clarify these complex topics by examining how various religious beliefs and practices impact current political, social, and cultural debates. Each of the approximately 100 entries examines a hot-button issue - from war and peace to the culture wars - and discusses, in a balanced and objective way, the points of view on these topics from all parts of the religious spectrum. Students will come away from Battleground: Religion with a better understanding of the issues that they will be encountering for years to come. Battleground: Religion contains dozens of entries that address how religion impacts the major debates of contemporary society: BLWar and Peace - "Just War," Religion and Genocide BLSexuality and Personal Ethics - Homosexuality, Abortion, Divorce BLHuman Rights - Religion and Organized Labor, Poverty and Hunger, Missionary Work BLCrime and Punishment - Capital Punishment, "Jailhouse Conversions," the War on Drugs BLMedia and the Arts - Blasphemy vs. Artistic Expression, Religion in the Movies. Each entry includes a bibliography or resources for further information.