Shiʻite Lebanon
Book Description
This scholarly exploration examines the intricate relationship between religious identity and national belonging within Lebanon's Shi'ite community. Roschanack Shaery-Eisenlohr presents a nuanced analysis of how spiritual devotion and political identity intersect in one of the Middle East's most complex societies.
Drawing from previously unexplored sources, the author investigates how Shi'ite communities navigate the delicate balance between religious authenticity and Lebanese citizenship. The study reveals how discussions about piety and interfaith coexistence become essential pathways to cultural acceptance within Lebanon's diverse landscape.
The work traces the evolution of Shi'ite political consciousness since the 1970s, showing how transnational religious networks have influenced local identity formation. Shaery-Eisenlohr demonstrates how debates between Christian and Muslim communities reflect deeper struggles for power and recognition at the national level.
Particularly compelling is the author's examination of how external religious connections, rather than weakening local ties, have actually strengthened Lebanese Shi'ite identity. The book shows how international spiritual networks have prompted communities to more clearly articulate their distinctly Lebanese characteristics while maintaining their religious commitments.
For readers interested in understanding how spiritual communities maintain their religious integrity while participating in pluralistic societies, this study offers valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between faith, identity, and belonging in contemporary Middle Eastern contexts.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 288 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Social sciences -> anthropology -> general anthropology
- ✓ Explore General
- ✓ Explore Etniska relationer
- ✓ Explore Politik och förvaltning
- ✓ Explore Ethnizität
- ✓ Explore Shiiter
- ✓ Explore Lebanon, politics and government
- ✓ Explore Schiiten
