Living for the Revolution: Black Feminist Organizations, 1968-1980 (review)

the radicalism and racist violence of a host of fringe groups. Lacking from Poewe’s discussions, however, was any detailed engagement with the work of theorists of political religions such as Emilio Gentile or Roger Griffin. Both have presented theoretical models that correspond strongly with Poewe’s concern with exploring the fuzzy nexus of religion and politics, and their inclusion could have added further depth to her analysis. This criticism aside, New Religions and the Nazis should be read closely by anyone who is interested in how political practices can become radicalized by connecting with the sacred. Poewe offers excellent analysis of the delusional worlds that can be created by this process, as well as demonstrating how they can legitimize horrific acts of the worst order.