Mark Juergensmeyer

I haven't quite finished this book yet, but I already strongly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about religious terrorism. My husband originally read this in an undergrad class and passed it on to me as I work in a sector that has to deal with media attention around recent terrorist attacks.

Juergensmeyer has actually sat down with religious extremists to discuss their motivations, and he does an excellent job of breaking down the events that lead up to the terrorist attacks he talks about. This book is an excellent reminder that it is not ONE single group or person committing violent acts in the name of a religion, and that it is unhelpful and futile to paint the entire religion with a bad brush because of these fringe extremists.… (more)

A great review of Gandhi's ideas. Contrary to what many think, Gandhi was a fighter. He thought fighting was the way to find the best solution, or highest truth, and believed one should never avoid a fight. But since fighting is to achieve a better overall outcome, it must be done the right way. This book makes Gandhi accessible and usable. All the basic questions Ury, Eddy and the modern conflict resolution theories ask are here, and posed in the comprehensive context of Ganhi's view. I love this book.… (more)