Politurgy The religious art of power

Politurgy: the religious art of power introduces a new concept for analyzing how the religious interact with state power. Politurgy refers to the set of interventions by spiritual authorities - popes, imams, pastors or committed faithful - that influence, orient or participate in the acquisition of power, without merging with it.Politurgy is deeply rooted in contemporary societies, in both democratic and authoritarian regimes, and plays a major role in socio-political conflicts. This book explores the various mechanisms of this action: mobilization of the faithful, alliances, mediation, elections or symbolic influence. Through historical and contemporary examples from Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia, it shows how politurgy acts as a structuring and cross-cutting factor in society, guiding public decisions and maintaining a moral and social role.