Bridge or Barrier: Religion, Violence and Visions for Peace

The book opens by framing religion as one of the most significant forces in world politics, especially after the resurgence of religious activism and the global impact of 9/11. Gerrie ter Haar’s opening chapter establishes the core analytical question of the volume: whether religion should be understood as a source of conflict or as a resource for peace. Rather than treating religion as intrinsically good or bad, the contributors examine it as a social, moral, symbolic, and institutional force that can be mobilized in different directions. The first part studies the relationship between religion, conflict, and peace through broad theoretical and regional perspectives, including religious fundamentalism, international relations, religious conflict in Asia, and symbolic confrontation in Latin America. The second part presents religious perspectives on conflict and peace from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, addressing themes such as just war, reconciliation, human rights, and the internal tensions within religious communities. The third part shifts toward practical visions for peace, with case studies on West Papua, the Philippines, and Buddhist reflections on human security. These chapters emphasize that religious institutions, leaders, rituals, ethical teachings, and community networks can become operational assets in peacebuilding when properly interpreted and applied. The final section provides key documentary resources, positioning the book not only as a scholarly collection but also as a reference work for researchers, educators, policy-makers, and peace practitioners concerned with religion, violence, human rights, and interreligious cooperation.