International and interdisciplinary--as well as historical and contemporary--in scope and coverage, this encyclopedia provides background information and authoritative analysis on a broad array of questions and issues related to the intersection of religion and violence. It offers a comprehensive but concise approach to the most important individuals (those who advocated violence as well as those who opposed it), historical events, groups and practices, theories, movements and processes, causes and effects connected to religious-driven violence. Religion and Violence integrates scholarly analysis with current events, and discusses the global ramifications of religious violence both historically and in today's world. It covers major religions of the world and their different approaches to violence, along with country and regional studies. More than 130 signed A-Z articles provide in-depth perspectives on a wide variety of subjects and issues connected with religion and violence, including Osama bin Laden, Gerry Adams, the Crusades, Rwandan genocide, September 11th, Falun Gong, al Qaeda, skinheads, witchcraft, anti-abortion protests, new religious movements, the Internet, and much more. Photos and tables accompany select entries, and all entries include bibliographic citations.