'... a very important book that marks a turning point in the way anthropologists think about religious ideas and practices.' Pascal Boyer, American Anthropologist

The overwhelming majority of people in the world--85%--are religious, and more religions are now practiced in the United States than in any other country. Religion plays a critical role in international politics, in the global economy, and in a wide variety of social and cultural interactionson the domestic front. Even

This volume of essays women and culture and the in Vanuatu. Many of the article come from final year candidates for ministry and so constitute the thinking of future leaders in the church.

Drawing on the work of leading scholars as well as policy makers and analysts, this volume offers the most comprehensive and accessible exploration to date of the major puzzles, issues, and questions surrounding the complex and increasingly visible role of religion in world affairs.

The overwhelming majority of people in the world--85%--are religious, and more religions are now practiced in the United States than in any other country. Religion plays a critical role in international politics, in the global economy, and in a wide variety of social and cultural interactions on the domestic front.