In a world of violence in which religion seems to play an increasing role, the understanding of the Religions of the Book, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is highly important. This book concentrates on these religions, all with common ancestry, that claim their mandates come from a holy text. These religions are embodied in both a text and a political purpose associated with a contentious nationalism and internationalism. Chan indicates their commonalities, especially in the political realm, but also their approaches to conflict with one another, within themselves, and with others who do not have a centralizing Book.

This book examines the roles and scriptural foundations of religion as a force in world politics.