Politics and Religion: Analyzing Faith, Power, and Society

Religion and politics are deeply intertwined, shaping laws, identities, and global conflicts around the world. To navigate today's political landscape, one must understand how faith-based movements and secular institutions interact. This text-based course guides you through the foundational social science theories that explain the relationship between religion and politics. You will learn to analyze real-world case studies, understand political theology, and evaluate the impact of religious institutions on state power. What you'll learn: Understand foundational concepts of political theology, secularization, and religious pluralism; Analyze how religious institutions influence policy-making and electoral behavior; Examine the rise of modern global religious nationalism and its impact on democracy; Evaluate the role of faith-based organizations in civil society and social justice movements; Explore how modern digital media accelerates religious-political mobilization; Practice applying social science frameworks to analyze contemporary political conflicts. The curriculum begins with core definitions and historical contexts before examining how religious groups mobilize in democratic and authoritarian regimes alike. You will read structured case studies and engage with written analytical exercises designed to build your critical thinking skills. This course is designed for beginners, political science enthusiasts, and curious readers, with no prior background in sociology or political theory required. Start reading today to build a deeper, analytical understanding of the forces shaping global politics.