New Political Religions, or an Analysis of Modern Terrorism
Book Description
In this thought-provoking exploration, Barry Cooper examines the spiritual dimensions that drive contemporary terrorist movements, offering a unique perspective often missing from traditional security studies. Drawing upon the philosophical insights of Eric Voegelin, Cooper argues that understanding modern terrorism requires looking beyond political grievances to examine what he terms the "spiritual motivation" at its core.
Cooper introduces readers to the concept of pneumopathology, described as a disease of the spirit, which provides a framework for understanding how certain groups develop a distorted spiritual consciousness. Rather than pursuing rational political objectives, these movements exhibit what Cooper identifies as a spiritual perversity that prioritizes destruction over meaningful change.
Through detailed analysis of two significant cases, Aum Shinrikyo, responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway attacks, and Al-Qaeda, behind the September 11 attacks, Cooper demonstrates how this pneumopathological consciousness manifests in real-world violence. He distinguishes between traditional political terrorism and these apocalyptic movements, showing how their spiritual distortions lead to fundamentally different motivations and methods.
For readers interested in understanding the deeper psychological and spiritual forces shaping our world, this work offers valuable insights into how spiritual elements can become corrupted and weaponized. Cooper's analysis provides a distinctive voice in contemporary discussions about terrorism, security, and the complex relationship between spirituality and violence in modern society.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 242 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Atomic bomb
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Foreign relations
- ✓ Explore Terrorism
- ✓ Explore Moral and ethical aspects
- ✓ Explore Nuclear warfare
- ✓ Explore Anti-Americanism
- ✓ Explore Terrorism, religious aspects
Topics Covered
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