For the great majority of people in the Third World South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America religion constitutes both the core of traditional culture and the integrative value system of society. This book explores the dynamic relationships which link religion, politics and social change in these vast and volative areas. The readings (each preceded by introductory notes which place it in its proper historical context) include a rich collecation of interesting, informative excerpts from authoritative religious pronouncements, official documents, political party manifestoes, election campaign statements, parliamentary debates, speeches, political writings, government report, constitutions, treaties, concordats and press commentaries from underdeveloped countries all over world. Various aspects and attitudes of four major religious systems are revealed; Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Islam and Roman Catholicism.