Better Religion

John Barton is the ideal guide through the landscape of religious diversity and the field of interfaith peacemaking. Bridges between diverse faiths do not rise from the ground or fall from the sky—people build them. This book will show you how and will tell you why such work is so important.

~Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith America and author of We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy

Better Religion blazes a beautifully winding path with clear conceptual frameworks and compelling imagery, leading to the not-so-simple work of interreligious peacebuilding. In place of a how-to manual, Barton offers an engaging, learned guide to religion in the twenty-first century with a clear sense of why it matters.

~Rachel S. Mikva, author of Dangerous Religious Ideas: The Deep Roots of Self-Critical Faith in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

In this brilliant and insightful book, John Barton, a serious believer, thinks seriously on how the great religions, which are as vibrant as ever, can work together for a better world. I applaud and join his noble hopes that people who are not exactly on ‘common ground’ can still join forces for ‘common good.’

~Mustafa Akyol, author of Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance

In this readable and wide-ranging book, John Barton makes an important intervention in the debates about effects of religious convictions and differences on our ability to live under the same roof of a common but divided world.  Anyone interested in religion and peace should read Better Religion.

~Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Systematic Theology, Yale University

…Barton’s book Better Religion will serve not only as a primer but the foundation for important conversations that can lead to more collaboration in the pursuit of peace.

~Robert D. Cornwall, Word and Way

In this compact book, Barton is able to clearly articulate his thesis on religion’s role in peacebuilding with writing that makes it accessible to everyone. Scholars, community leaders, and members of the public interested in understanding religion and interreligious peacebuilding efforts will find this primer useful in enhancing their religious literacy--something that is desperately needed.

~Eduard van der Merwe, Boniuk Institute Newsletter