Summary

This unsettling book reviews specific instances of ''holy war'' as proposed in the holy books of the major faith traditions, and illustrates how bellicose, war-like language is used to explain the spiritual quest. The author proposes that this intermingling of war and spirituality prepares the population for the coming of war. War as spiritual practice appears inevitable, due to this religio-violenta education which is woven through all faith traditions. The institutional blending of the sacred and human aggression appear to be fundamental to human society. The second section of the book particularizes this dynamic within our contemporary, American social and political milieu. It concentrates on the political language and speeches of American politicians since 2002, following the run-up to the Iraq war and its continuation over the past decade, showing exactly how this mystical/war conflation permeates American society. This book has large potential readership, including academics and lay readers concerned with the fields of war, political science, peace and conflict resolution, religion, spirituality and general social history. Students from West Point to St. John's of Annapolis will find it challenging and informative, perhaps changing their conception of war, religion and human society."