Embattled belief : religion and the British Army from Korea to Afghanistan / Michael Snape.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Snape, M. F. (Michael Francis), 1968- Author.

Series:

Studies in the social and cultural history of modern warfare.

Studies in the social and cultural history of modern warfare

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Great Britain. Army. Royal Army Chaplains' Department.

Great Britain.

Great Britain. Army--Religious life--History--20th century.

Great Britain. Army--Religious life--History--21st century.

Soldiers--Religious life--Great Britain.

Soldiers.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvi, 471 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2026.

Summary:

This book examines the neglected role of religion in the British Army in an era of rapid and far-reaching change. Covering the Cold War, the end of empire, seismic shifts in Britain's cultural and religious landscape, and the dramatic shrinkage of the armed forces, Michael Snape reveals religion's abiding importance at an institutional, individual and operational level. He explores the religious contexts of the Army's warfighting, counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including the Korean, Falklands and Gulf Wars; the 'Emergencies' in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus; the Northern Ireland conflict; UN and NATO operations in the Balkans; and Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11. He also charts the religious responses of British soldiers to allies, adversaries and civilian populations. This is a unique and significant contribution to our understanding of the secularisation of British society, the social and cultural history of the British Army, and religion and war in the contemporary world.

Contents:

Part 1. Morale, values and standards

Regulations and tradition

Dealing with diversity

Part 2. Chaplaincy structures, recruitment and training

Chaplaincy and moral guidance

Chaplaincy, celebrity and controversy

Chaplaincy, convergence, and diversification

A ministry of presence

Part 3. The religion of the soldier

Collaborations and confrontations

Faith and morals.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 29 May 2026).

ISBN:

1-009-60999-8