Focusing on religions such as Islam and Buddhism, this volume shows how religion influences politics and vice versa.Delving into such subjects as the separation of church and state in the United States, the domination of the state by religion in Iran, and the control of religion by the state in China, this survey illuminates cultural differences. This book gives a revealing look at the numerous relationships between religion and politics. In the Church of England, for example, the 26 most senior Anglican bishops have seats in the House of Lords.Religion and Politics also includes biographical sketches of thinkers and doers whose careers intersected religion and politics in significant ways, from the Berrigan brothers to Osama bin Laden. Also included are data and quotes, a directory of politically active religious groups, and a 150 page annotated bibliography.