The Role of Saints delves into the pervasive phenomenon of sainthood across diverse religions and cultures, probing why certain individuals are elevated to venerated status.
It explores the historical development, theological foundations, and sociological consequences of saint veneration, revealing its impact on faith, social structures, and cultural values.
The book examines the varied criteria for sainthood, ranging from formal canonization processes to community-driven recognition, highlighting the cultural and historical factors shaping the selection of saints.
The book investigates the role of miracles in establishing and sustaining a saint's reputation, analyzing how interpretations of these events vary.
It also explores how saints function as symbols of identity, moral exemplars, and focal points for social movements.
Beginning with a definition of “saint” and its historical development, the book progresses through analyses of recognition criteria, the nature of miracles, and the social and political roles of saints, concluding with their relevance in the modern world.
