Faith in Politics

Faith in Politics

Darren Zook
Monday, Sep. 16, 2024, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM (PT)
Price: $75.00
47 slots available

"Hands in prayer against near-black background"

What role, if any, should religion play in politics? From the French system of the separation of church and state to the Vatican City’s complete synthesis of the (Catholic) church and state, or from Indonesia’s Muslim-majority secular democracy to the Islamic Republic of Iran, there are a seemingly endless array of ideas and examples of how to relate religion and politics. Where does the relationship work best? Where does it fall apart and even lead to violent conflict? Using examples from around the world and a broad selection of world religions, this course tries to answer the eternally vexing question of when, if ever, politics and religion can fit together.


Faculty Bio

Darren Zook teaches in political science and global studies at UC Berkeley. His areas of interest include comparative politics, human rights and international law. He has received numerous teaching awards for his creativity in the classroom, and was recently named one of the “Top Ten Most Inspiring Professors at UC Berkeley” by College Magazine. He lectures all around the world, and has published six books. He is currently at work on a research project involving the politics of ice in the era of climate change.


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Member Praise for Darren Zook

Dr. Zook is one of the best teachers I've ever had and I'm 80!

Darren Zook is an amazing teacher. He's a well-organized, extremely knowledgeable, and always engaging.

I have taken several classes with Darren Zook and will take several more. His scope and depth of knowledge is extraordinary. And he is able to communicate it effectively and effortlessly. 


Faculty Q&A