Sacred Causes : The Clash of Religion and Politics, from the Great War to the War on Terror
Author(s): Michael Burleigh
Beginning with the chaotic post-World War I landscape, in which religious belief was one way of reordering a world knocked off its axis, Sacred Causes is a penetrating critique of how religion has often been camouflaged by politics. All the bloody regimes and movements of the twentieth century are masterfully captured here, from Stalin's Soviet Union, Hitler's Germany, Mussolini's Italy, and Franco's Spain through to the modern scourge of terrorism. Eloquently and persuasively combining an authoritative survey of history with a timely reminder of the dangers of radical secularism, Burleigh asks why no one foresaw the religious implications of massive Third World immigration, and he deftly investigates what are now driving calls for a civic religion to counter the terrorist threats that have so shocked the West.
Review(s):
“Michael Burleigh’s Sacred Causes is one of the most important books of the decade.”
“A clever, honest and often funny analysis of the confrontation throughout the 20th century between religion and politics.”
“Dazzling. . . . A rewarding example of intellectual history.”
“A fascinating chronicle.”
“It is a tribute to Mr. Burleigh’s intellectual passion that . . . he manages to challenge and enlighten.”
“Michael Burleigh writes well about the woolly, messianic religiosity of Nazism in particular.”
“Burleigh has a talent, reminiscent of Paul Johnson, for digging up long-forgotten historical episodes.”
“Impressive. . . . Burleigh’s book deserves the widest possible readership.”
“Compelling. . . . For all his acerbity, this author remains a humane presence throughout his book.”
“A magnificent history of the 20th century. . . . A terrifically entertaining book.”
ISBN: 9780060580964