In this Book

  • Beyond Violence: Religious Sources of Social Transformation in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
  • Book
  • Edited by James L. Heft, S.M.
  • 2009
  • Published by: Fordham University Press
summary

In an age of terrorism and other forms of violence committed in the name of religion, how can religion become a vehicle for peace, justice, and reconciliation? And in a world of bitter conflicts-many rooted in religious difference-how can communities of faith understand one another?

The essays in this important book take bold steps forward to answering these questions. The fruit of a historic conference of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scholars and community leaders, the essays address a fundamental question: how the three monotheistic traditions can provide the resources needed in the work of justice and reconciliation.

Two distinguished scholars represent each tradition. Rabbis Irving Greenberg and Reuven Firestone each examine the relationship of Judaism to violence, exploring key sources and the history of power, repentance, and reconciliation. From Christianity, philosopher Charles Taylor explores the religious dimensions of "categorical" violence against other faiths, other groups, while Scott Appleby traces the emergence since Vatican II of nonviolence as a foundation of Catholic theology and practice. Mustafa Ceric, Grand Mufti of Bosnia, discusses Muslim support of pluralism and human rights, and Mohamed Fathi Osman examines the relationship between political violence and sacred sources in contemporary Islam.

By focusing on transformative powers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the essays in this book provide new beginnings for people of faith committed to restoring peace among nations through peace among religions.

Table of Contents

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  1. Cover
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  1. Frontmatter
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  1. Dedication
  2. p. vi
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  1. Contents
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  1. Preface: Beyond Violence Through Dialogue and Cooperation
  2. pp. ix-x
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  1. Introduction: Religious Sources for Social Transformation in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
  2. pp. 13-14
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  1. Notes on the Sources of Violence: Perennial and Modern
  2. pp. 15-42
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  1. Judaism, Christianity, Islam: Hope or Fear of Our Times
  2. pp. 43-56
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  1. God Is the All-Peace, the All-Merciful
  2. pp. 57-73
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  1. Judaism on Violence and Reconciliation: An Examination of Key Firestone
  2. pp. 74-87
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  1. Religion as a Force for Reconciliation and Peace: A Jewish Analysis
  2. pp. 88-112
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  1. Disciples of the Prince of Peace? Christian Resources for Nonviolent Peacebuilding
  2. pp. 113-144
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  1. About the Contributors
  2. pp. 145-148
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  1. Index
  2. pp. 149-161
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