This book is designed as a primary or supplementary textbook in courses on the sociology of religion courses offered at major 4 year colleges and universities. Due to the high level of interest in religion and religious conflict, and an increased interest in religion on a global scale, this book will also be adopted in introductory sociology, social movements, and social problems courses. Religious conflict, linked with ethnic and cultural differences are part of the everyday discussion in classrooms and on campuses around the world. This book directly responds to issues of social problems and issues prevalent in the world today in a style that is both authoritative and attention-getting. A current user of Gods in The Global Village said, the bottom line is this is a terrific book, the best I've found for this course in twenty years of teaching. It reflects solid scholarship, but is written in an accessible style, and addresses what I believe are the most important issues in our world today. It offers what I want my students to learn! I look forward to the revised edition, which I will certainly use in my class.