Hi Vid, Political parties' link to religions are because, politicians will use any means (including religion) to seek and hold on to power and to push their own agenda. If an established religion does not support their extremism, then politicians will create their own interpretation of religion, or a new religion itself. We saw this in the colonial period, the apartheid era, Zionism, Taliban, and communism. We saw Tilak using religion in India's freedom struggle. And we saw this in independent India, a few years ago!
If Religion does not do the job, use Nationalism or Fear! As we say in America, "Wrap yourself with the flag". So from your post, I am not sure how "acclaimed" the book on a "new history" is! Or how "illuminating" the matter it contains. As a journalist you should know these are good adjectives to market and promote a new book. Journalist and writers are as susceptible and innovative to create "new stuff" as are the politicians.:=)) Kind Regards, GL ------------ Vidyadhar Gadgil Michael Burleigh's acclaimed "A New History of the Third Reich" is illuminating in this matter, as it draws a connecting link between religious passion and the excesses of Nazism. _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
