The Politics of God- The Rise and Rise of Political Religion (Foreword by Mary McAleese)

In the aftermath of 9/ 11, which highlighted the dark alliance between religion and violence, there was a new realisation among policymakers around the world of the significance of religion as a factor in global affairs. We are faced with almost daily evidence in newspapers, radio, television and social media platforms of the capacity of religion to do much good but also to do great harm. The phrase 'the paradox of religions' has been used to describe this dual effect.

More so than at any time before in history, it is now recognised that religions in their beliefs, doctrines and practices, are involved in much that is divisive and harmful. But at the same time they are involved in much that is extremely good.