Human Rights & Religion

"The relationship between religion and human rights is complex. The United Nations' 1948 Declaration of Human Rights arose from the quest to define basic human dignities in the face of extreme cultural and religious persecution. Religion as a cultural phenomenon continues to manifest itself as a force for social and political conflict, institutionalized violence, and repression. Yet religions also promote ideals of harmonious living with traditions that enrich contemporary understandings of international human rights with models of love, universal respect, and justice." "This book brings together an outstanding range of sources in a single volume to deal with these and related questions. With cutting-edge theoretical perspectives and reflections on future prospects, the volume includes critical case studies on human rights and the world's religions in a political context." --Book Jacket.