When Religion Becomes Lethal: The Explosive Mix of Politics and Religion in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - Hardcover

A compelling look at today's complex relationship between religion and politics In his second book, bestselling author Charles Kimball addresses the urgent global problem of the interplay between fundamentalist Abrahamic religions and politics and moves beyond warning signs (the subject of his first book) to the dangerous and lethal outcomes that their interaction can produce. Drawing on his extensive personal and professional knowledge of, experience with and access to all three traditions, Kimball's explanation of the multiple ways religion and politics interconnect within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will illuminate the problems and give readers a hopeful vision for how to chart a safer course into a precarious future. * Kimball is the author of When Religion Becomes Evil, one of the most acclaimed post 9/11 books on terrorism and religion * Reveals why religion so often leads to deadly results * The author has scholarly knowledge and expertise and extensive personal experience with the peoples, cultures, and leaders involved Readable and engaging, this book gives a clear picture of today's complex political and religious reality and offers hope for the future.

"Building on decades of experience witnessing and affecting change in the Middle East, Charles Kimball gives a rich examination of religious conflict from the vantage point of a peacemaker. In a world torn by religious extremism, this book provides a pragmatic, hopeful, and much-needed tool for those who seek an honest dialogue of change."
—Jim Wallis, founder and CEO, Sojourners, and author, Rediscovering Values

"Informed by the best of scholarship and his own extensive experiences and insights, Charles Kimball's When Religion Becomes Lethal is an engaging and riveting must-read on how the interplay of religion and politics in the three great monotheistic traditions can and has led to dangerous and deadly consequences."
—John L. Esposito, professor, religion and international affairs, Georgetown University, and author, The Future of Islam

"With the courage and clarity of the great reformers and the vision of the prophets, Charles Kimball sets before us the potential of communities of faith in which each honors all."
—Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, director, Department of Religion, Chautauqua Institution

"At a time when the line between the sacred and secular is slowly fading away in all parts of the world, we need Kimball's steady hand, wit, intelligence, and smart analysis to guide us toward a saner future."
—Reza Aslan, author, No god but God and Beyond Fundamentalism

"In this stunning book, Kimball sheds light on the most dangerous religious movements of our time. His deep understanding of the landscape of religious extremism—Jewish, Christian, and Muslim—is shaped by decades of firsthand experience with religious and political leaders in the United States and the Middle East. This is a critical book for navigating today's perilous and explosive religious landscape."
—Diana Eck, professor, comparative religion, and director, The Pluralism Project at Harvard University