Description

Most Americans think of Islam as a radical, violent religion. But bloodshed in the name of religion is not new, or limited to Islam. In Dying for Heaven, scholar and military advisor Ariel Glucklich argues that the very best qualities of religion — its ability to bring people together and make them feel good — are also its most dangerous.

The continuing rise of religious extremism, combined with easier access to nuclear weapons, creates a unique challenge for policy advisors, who now must understand just how far terrorists are willing to go in the name of faith. Dying for Heaven provides a key to understanding the religious drive to self-destruct, and offers ways to combat the culture of suicide terrorism.

Ariel Glucklich is a professor of theology at Georgetown University. An expert on religious psychology and evolution, he is the author of many books, including Sacred Pain: Hurting the Body for the Sake of the Soul (which won an award for excellence from the American Academy of Religion), Climbing Chamundi Hill, and The Strides of Vishnu.

“Extremely well written, and at times quite funny, this book is an absolute necessity for a public seeking to understand religious nuance and zealotry … Highly recommended.” — Library Journal