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Politics, Religion, and Society in Latin America

Daniel H. Levine
Politics, Religion, and Society in Latin America
ISBN: 978-1-58826-852-5
$28.50
ISBN: 978-1-62637-155-2
$28.50
2012/321 pages/LC: 2012014909
Religion in Politics and Society: Dynamics and Development
"Expansive and masterful.... This is a substantively rich and theoretically engaging book that will appeal to non-specialists and specialists alike."—Amy Erica Smith, Perspectives on Politics

"A masterful overview of the many ways in which religion, politics and society have interacted in the last 50 years in Latin America."—Jeffrey Klaiber, Journal of Latin American Studies

"This is hands-down the most well-informed, broad, and insightful analysis of religion in Latin America that I have read."—Anna Peterson, University of Florida

DESCRIPTION

Long assumed to be an unchanging and unquestioned bulwark of established power and privilege, religion in Latin America has diversified and flourished, while taking on new social and political roles in more open societies. How did this change occur? Why did churches in the region embrace new ideas about rights, sponsor social movements, and become advocates for democracy? Are further changes on the horizon? Daniel Levine explores these issues, uniquely situating the Latin American experience in a rich theoretical and comparative context.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel H. Levine is professor emeritus of political science at the University of Michigan. His numerous publications include The Quality of Democracy in Latin America (coedited with José E. Molina), Popular Voices in Latin American Catholicism, and Religion and Politics in Latin America: The Catholic Church in Venezuela and Colombia.

CONTENTS

  • Politics, Religion, and Society in Latin America.
  • A Note on Theory and Method.
  • Transformations in Catholicism and Protestantism.
  • Democracy, Pluralism, and Religion.
  • Social Movements and Civil Society.
  • Religion and Violence.
  • Rights and Reconciliation.
  • Comparative Perspectives.
  • Looking Toward Latin America's Future.