God and the Gun: The Church and Irish Terrorism

by Dillon,Martin

• ISBN13: 9780415923637
• ISBN10: 0415923638
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1999-03-16
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

In this astonishing and at times terrifying book, acclaimed writer and political commentator Martin Dillon examines for the first time the true role of religion in the conflict in Northern Ireland. He interviewed those directly involved--terrorists like Kenny McClinton and Billy Wright and churchmen like Father Pat Buckley--finding that the terrorists were more forthcoming than the priests and ministers. Dillon charts the history of the paramilitary forces on both sides and exposes the shocking covert role of British intelligence. He finds that, ultimately, both the church and government have failed their communities, allowing men and women of violence to fill a vacuum with bigotry and violence.

Author Biography

Martin Dillon worked for the BBC in Northern Ireland for eighteen years and has won international acclaim for his nonfiction books about Ireland, including The Shankill Butchers and The Dirty War. Dillon has also been featured in news segments on CNN, ABC News, CBC and National Public Radio, and is often called on as one of the foremost authorities on global terrorism.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
Chronology of Major Events	p. 5
The Maniac?	p. 19
The Army of God	p. 31
Walking with Christ?	p. 56
The Battle for Souls	p. 81
The Last Confession	p. 95
A Maverick Priest?	p. 111
A Holy Cause for Holy Men?	p. 128
Women at War	p. 143
Church and State	p. 158
For God and Ulster	p. 168
Bigots and Gunmen I: Loyalists	p. 180
Bigots and Gunmen II: Republicans	p. 197
Reflections	p. 215
Appendix : Significant Influences	p. 223
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