Abstract
This article addresses a well-developed yet contentious question: Can social science objectively analyse religion and its role in escalating or mitigating socio-political tensions? Grounded in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the essay does not attempt to provide a precise answer to this question nor to criticise the social science that simultaneously explores the notion of religion and grapples with its conceptualisation. Instead, it reflects on the evolving social science perspectives scholars use to understand how religion interacts with various social dimensions, including politics and power relations. The primary aim is to underscore the enduring significance of social scientific analysis of religion, reflect on the limitations of its Westernised perspectives, and revitalise intellectual tools for examining its multifaceted nature. To achieve this objective, the essay first (re)examines prominent Western-developed perspectives on religion within social science literature, synthesising contributions from various disciplines. It then identifies connections and discontinuities between the basis of these perspectives and broader socio-political conversations, with a specific focus on the religious dimension of the Israel–Palestine conflict as a case study. The central hypothesis is that social scientific analysis is crucial for understanding religion as a dynamic system both influenced by and influencing contextual and historical factors. This nuanced non-Westernised understanding is essential for promoting inter-state harmony or cooperation, particularly in complex situations like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call