Peacemaking and the Challenge of Violence in World Religions

Written by top practitioner-scholars who bring a critical yet empathetic eye to the topic, this textbook provides a comprehensive look at peace and violence in seven world religions. Peacemaking and the Challenge of Violence in World Religions is a comprehensive exploration of the history, beliefs and practices around peace and violence in seven of the world’s major religions. Written by expert practitioner-scholars, this textbook provides clear and systematic coverage of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Native American religions. Each chapter introduces a different religion and its sacred texts; discusses ideas of peace, war, nonviolence, and permissible violence; recounts historical responses to violence; and highlights individuals working within the tradition toward peace and justice. At the end of each chapter there are critiques by practitioners of two other religions that create a rich dialogue between traditions. Other student-friendly pedagogical features include definitions of key terms, discussion questions, further reading sections, and a list of additional resources. This textbook is uniquely committed to discussing issues of peace and violence within their religious context in order to give readers a better understanding of the values, motivations, and ethics involved in these complex components of religion around the world. Written by top practitioner-scholars who bring a critical yet empathetic eye to the topic, this textbook provides a comprehensive look at peace and violence in seven world religions. Offers a clear and systematic narrative with coverage of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Native American religions Introduces a different religion and its sacred texts in each chapter; discusses ideas of peace, war, nonviolence, and permissible violence; recounts historical responses to violence; and highlights individuals within the tradition working toward peace and justice Examines concepts within their religious context for a better understanding of the values, motivations, and ethics involved Includes student-friendly pedagogical features, such as enriching end-of-chapter critiques by practitioners of other traditions, definitions of key terms, discussion questions, and further reading sections