Dr. Thomas G. Matyok

Associate Professor, Peace and Conflict Studies

The Price of Freedom Denied: Religious Persecution and Conflict in the 21st Century
by Brian J. Grim and Roger Finke

The Price of Freedom Denied clearly, and in great detail, outlines how freedom of religion is the first freedom. When religious freedom is absent, so are others. Peace and Conflict Studies scholars and practitioners must be aware of the dynamic role of religion and faith in managing and transforming conflict and violence. Recognizing that ethics precedes politics, needed is a nuanced awareness of how religion works to influence and inform ethics and morals. Without freedom of religion, ethics and politics suffer.