Converting Rulers
Global Patterns, 1450–1850

Strathern explains the religious map of the world in a pathbreaking analysis of case studies and global patterns of conversion.

Alan Strathern (Author)

9781108477161, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 November 2024

498 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 3.2 cm, 0.83 kg

'Adding empirical detail as well as analytical grasp Converting Rulers enhances the remarkable intellectual acuity of Unearthly Powers. Alan Strathern confirms his place among leading voices in current global history. No student of religion or global history can ignore this achievement.' Jeroen Duindam, Chair of Early Modern History/Comparative History, Leiden University Institute for History

Why did so many rulers throughout history risk converting to a new religion brought by outsiders? In his award-winning Unearthly Powers (2019), Alan Strathern set out a theoretical framework for understanding the relation between religion and political authority based on a distinction between two kinds of religion - immanentism and transcendentalism - and the different ways they made monarchy sacred. This ambitious and innovative companion volume tests and substantiates this approach using case studies from Kongo (1480–1530), Japan (1560–1614), Ayutthaya (Thailand, 1660–1690) and Hawaii (1800–1830). Through in-depth analysis of key turning points in the careers of warlords, chiefs and kings, a tapestry of unique characters and stories is brought to light. However, these examples ultimately demonstrate that global patterns of conversion can be established to illuminate the religious geography of the world today.

List of Figures and Maps
Preface and Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Part I. Concepts: Introduction
1. Theoretical Equipment
Part II. Cases: 2. The Miracles of Kongo, 1480–1530
3. Money, Magic, and Mastery in the Conversion of the Daimyo of Japan, 1560–1580
4. The Defeat of Christianity in Japan, 1560–1614
5. Reclining Buddhas and Restless Missionaries: Narai of Ayutthaya and the Encounter with Christianity, 1660–1690
6. Repulsion from Siam: The Revolt of 1688
7. Hawaii: The Road to Nowhere, 1800–1821
8. Hawaii: The High Path to Conversion 1821–1830
Part III. Global Patterns: 9. Hinduism and Confucianism and the Question of Transcendence
10. Explaining Global Patterns of Ruler Conversion
Appendix
Glossary of Theoretical Terms
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: General & world history [HBG]