This book presents topical research in the study of the beliefs, theories and societal effects of religion. Topics discussed from authors across the globe include the resurgent interest in the philosophical thinking of Ibn Rushd of Cordoba for modernizing the Islamic world; infant mortality and religious culture; religious beliefs and psychological functioning in patients with schizophrenia; the societal effects of religion; the association between religion, spirituality and medical outcomes; nonconformist religious worship and the question of religion and violence.