Overview

Through the use of three case studies - Poland, Croatia, and the Slovak Republic - Timothy Byrnes argues that the Catholic Church remains deeply involved in the central politics of this vital region over both governmental structure and public policy; deeply implicated (for better or worse) in the ethnic divisions that characterize the post-communist era; and profoundly part of the social fabric of virtually every state in East Central Europe.

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Reviews

Transnational Catholicism in Post-Communist Europe is a pathbreaking work, which will set the style for studies of comparative politics in the future. Tim Byrnes has succeeded in integrating general theoretical perspectives and broad historical trends with a sensitive, nuanced understanding of the importance of national and local circumstances. Put simply, this is a very important book, which will be indispensable to analysts of European politics or the politics of Roman Catholicism. -- Ted G. Jelen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Drawing upon years of experience following the political engagement of the Catholic Church, Byrnes writes with clarity and brings considerable insight to his study of recent Catholic politics in Poland, Croatia, and Romania. This book will be welcomed by those looking for a nonpartisan examination of the subject. -- Sabrina P. Ramet, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim Byrnes demostrates how religion persistently gets entwined with nationalism to the point where it is hard to tell who is using whom. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above. -- M. G. Roskin CHOICE Informative and thoughtful book. First Things An accessible introduction to the religion and politics in postcommunist Europe and useful for those interested in comparative politics or the study of institutions. The Review Of Politics Byrnes deftly and subtly examines the relations and tensions between the transnational and the national features of the Church. His interpretation and use of scholarly literature on transnationalism is excellent and his understanding and presentation of the vision of John Paul II is comprehensive, accurate, sensitive, and clear. -- James Kurth, Swarthmore College A concise and stimulating probe of the complex and dynamic nexus between religion and politics and between local traditions and universal ideals. Byrnes is to be praised for his innovative approach to examining the international vitality and importance of the Catholic Church in world politics. He is also to be lauded for showing the continuing importance of religion in eastern Europe and the necessity for scholars to take religion more seriously as a factor in international relations. The book is highly recommended to east European specialists and also to the general public. Slavic Review

Drawing upon years of experience following the political engagement of the Catholic Church, Byrnes writes with clarity and brings considerable insight to his study of recent Catholic politics in Poland, Croatia, and Romania. This book will be welcomed by those looking for a nonpartisan examination of the subject.--Ramet, Sabrina P.

Author Information

Timothy A. Byrnes is a member of the Political Science Department at Colgate University. He is the author of Catholic Bishops in American Politics, and co-editor of Abortion Politics in American States and The Catholic Church and the Politics of Abortion.

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