The analysis is nuanced and fact-based by a very erudite and well-informed scholar. I know of no other person who does it so competently. Sekulic consults and incorporates most of the relevant literature in several languages. In addition, he has done something that is very hard in the Balkan context, and that is not to favor one or the other side in the conflict but deal with the material evenhandedly and judiciously. This is what is usually lacking in most of the books dealing with the Balkan conflicts. From my perspective this is one of the most important qualities: a book by a critical thinker who goes deeply—very deeply—into the subject matter without being prejudiced or overtly biased.

Paul Mojzes, Rosemont College, emeritus

It is generally acknowledged, both in academia and the public, that the conflation of ethnic and national identities with Christian identity had a major role in the Western Balkan conflicts, especially during the past few decades. Still, hardly any well-grounded theological explorations into this conflation have been undertaken so far. This book fills this void. It is a theological tour de force that dissects the ethnic enslavement of Christian identity in this region. Sekulic’s concept of ethnoreligiosity is set to inform not only the works focusing on this region, but also the growing processes conflating ethnicity with religion throughout the world.

Zoran Grozdanov, University Center for Protestant Theology Matthias Flacius Illyricus, Zagreb

Branko Sekulic's book is a groundbreaking exploration of the deep structures that made the shocking excesses of violence and ethnic cleansing possible after the break-up of Yugoslavia. His focus is on the unholy connection between ethnos and religion. This gives rise to an "ethnoreligiosity" that legitimizes the atrocities. The artificial word "ethnoreligiosity" indicates that, despite it insinuating a strong link to Christian traditions, it is an artificial religion. Its only purpose is to legitimize political action. Sekulic’s book is an indispensable contribution to understanding the Balkan conflict, but above all to reconciliation and prevention.

Reiner Anselm, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Branko Sekulic has rendered a valuable contribution to the scholarly world. Combining historical, religious, and linguistic precision, he reveals the relationship between the 'ethnoreligiosic' phenomenon and the identity of 'Croatcatholic' and 'Serborthodox' peoples. This results in a toxic mix of fundamentalism and triumphalism which distorts history and leads to the demonization of the Other. Sekulic's work untangles the knotty complex of factors which continue to plague the former Yugoslavia and to challenge scholars of religion.

Alan L. Berger, Florida Atlantic University