pt. I. The book's vantage point
1. Varieties of controversy
2. The nature of belief systems
Religious belief systems
Nonreligious belief systems
3. Tradition, critical events, and the exercise of power
Brief constituencies
Tradition
Critical events
The exercise of power
Conclusion
pt. II. Analyses of the twelve cases
4. France
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
5. Japan
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
6. England
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
7. India
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
8. Spain
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
9. China
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
10. Italy
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
11. Pakistan
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
12. United States of America
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
13. Thailand
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
14. Australia
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
15. Saudi Arabia
Historical roots
The contending constituencies
Resolving the controversy
pt. III. In retrospect
16. Answers and trends
Answers
Trends
Conclusion.