The Brookings Institution: What Does God Have to Do with It? The Links Between Religion, Radicalism and Violence

What Does God Have to Do with It? The Links Between Religion, Radicalism and Violence

Event Summary

Until recently, scholars of religion had predicted that as societies modernize, God would become obsolete. Yet today, religion is enjoying a global resurgence. Aside from continental Europe, the majority of the world’s inhabitants attends religious services more regularly, and claims to believe more fervently. At the same time, ideologically-inspired violence – both terrorism and war – is also on the rise. Clearly, faith in God is playing a large and mounting role in both private life and contemporary politics.