Dying for Heaven: Holy Pleasure and Suicide Bombers -

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Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperOne (November 3, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061430811
ASIN: B003D7JTL8
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

*Starred Review* In this provocative book, theologian Glucklich tries to understand one of the most unsettling and disturbing behavioral trends of our time. What makes suicide bombers tick? he asks. To answer, he examines the impetus behind religion (why be religious?) and explains what happens when religious feelings lead to self-destruction. Throughout, he maintains that it is crucial that society take religion seriously—that is, to take a scientific approach to it—and avoid oversimplification, especially when it comes to vilifying that which we don’t understand. He notes that, with the possible exceptions of certain European countries, religious activity is on the rise around the world, a development he attributes to religion’s tendencies not only to make people feel happier but to give them purpose and a sense of belonging. In a nutshell, “Religion makes us feel good.” Unfortunately, religious pleasure and spiritual devotion sometimes lead to bloodshed. So Glucklich discusses the destructive aspects of religion; that is, the various theories of the pleasure of group behavior and its consequences, and the surprisingly close linkage between heaven and violence. An important and enlightening book for a dangerous age. --June Sawyers Review In Dying for Heaven, Ariel Glucklich argues against the misconception that religious terrorists fight their enemies out of hatred. Rather, it is the positive aspects of religion that inspire the most heinous actions. (Washington Post.com )“A new and major treatise on what it takes to become a suicide bomber and what it takes to counter it. Glucklich combines religion, terrorism, hope and despair in a breathtaking and highly readable manner.” (Ahmed Rashid, author of Taliban and Jihad )“An important and enlightening book for a dangerous age.” (Booklist (starred review) )“Ariel Glucklich’s Dying for Heaven offers a provocative explanation of religion and terrorism based on a Darwinian approach. Although not all readers will embrace this analysis, it provides absorbing food for thought and a surprisingly attractive solution for the problem it addresses.” (Carl W. Ernst, the William R. Kenan, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill )“Extremely well written, and at times quite funny, this book is an absolute necessity for a public seeking to understand religious nuance and zealotry; it deserves careful attention and a broad readership. Highly recommended.” (Library Journal )“This brilliant and gracefully written study sheds new light on religious behavior . . . Rich with examples and scholarly detail, this study should be read by policymakers, social scientists, and anyone fascinated with what lies behind the awesome power of religious faith.” (Mark Juergensmeyer, author of Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence )“[Dying for Heaven] is more than 300 pages of gripping analysis about the inner motivations—the high-octane rocket fuel—within religion.” (Read the Spirit.com ) Dying for Heaven: Holy Pleasure and Suicide Bombers -