An analysis of the major approaches to issues of violence, war, and peace in religious ethical teaching. The course examines the religious roots of pacifism and nonviolent resistance in a variety of traditions, Just War theories, Holy War, Jihad and religious nationalisms as well as alternative theories on the origins of conflict. Students work to develop positive, practical strategies for conflict resolution, applying them to specific global conflict situations, informed by religious ethical approaches such as just revolution, "just peacemaking" and Gandhian philosophy.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1) To become familiar with major approaches to issues of violence, war and peace in religious ethical teaching; 2) To develop skill in evaluating the interaction of religious beliefs and loyalties, social analysis and ethical reasoning; 3) To gain critical insight into contemporary conflict situations and therefore a more sophisticated understanding of our world; 4) To apply practical and positive peacemaking approaches to concrete cases; 5) To examine and articulate our own deepest convictions about the origins of violence and the resolution of conflict.
- Teacher: Rick Axtell