This book investigates the complex interplay between religious belief, social change, and political power in contemporary societies. John Eade, drawing on extensive anthropological fieldwork and sociological theory, examines how sacred beliefs are contested and reinterpreted in the face of globalization and modernization. The work presents a framework for understanding the dynamics of religious identity and its role in shaping social and political landscapes.

This work is recognized within anthropological and sociological circles for its rigorous ethnographic approach to understanding the social construction of religious meaning. Scholars have noted its contribution to debates on globalization and the public role of religion. The book is considered a valuable resource for those studying the sociology of religion and contemporary social theory.