Religion, Empire, and Torture: The Case of Achaemenian Persia, with a Postscript on Abu Ghraib

How Does Religion Stimulate And Feed Imperial Ambitions And Violence? This Title Identifies Three Core Components Of An Imperial Theology That Have Transhistorical And Contemporary Relevance: Dualistic Ethics, A Theory Of Divine Election, And A Sense Of Salvific Mission. It Shows How The Religious Ideas Shaped Achaemenian Practice. Introduction -- Center And Periphery -- God's Chosen -- Creation -- Microcosms, Wonders, Paradise -- The Dark Side Of Paradise -- Postscript: On Abu Ghraib And Some Related Contemporary Matters. Bruce Lincoln. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 143-167) And Index.