Beyond Violence: Religious Sources of Social Transformation in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

by James L. Heft S.M. (Editor)

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 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.

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2004

Reviews

[Mick Maurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday was ‘Beyond Sectarianism: Re-Imagining Church & World’ (1999) by Philip D Kenneson which definitely gave me thoughts on my response to Rod Dreher’s ‘Benedict Option’. Today is ‘Beyond Violence: Religious Sources of Social Transformation in Judaism, Christianity, & Islam’ (2004). One of four works I sought out due to the Hamas Oct 7th Attack & the Gaza War.
This work is a part of the Abrahamic Dialogues Series from the international conference titled: ‘Beyond Violence: Religious Sources for Social Transformation’ held at USC 5-7 May 2003. It was six academics, two from each of the three Abrahamic religious traditions.
First, they asked three of the speakers, Rabbi Irving Greenberg, PhD, Professor Charles Taylor, PhD & Dr Mustafa Ceric, PhD to address the general themes of the conference. To address in ways they thought insightful to the contributions religious traditions can & do make to positive social transformation. And for them to personally represent all the branches of their own religious tradition, they would be informed & fair in what they had to say.
The other three major speakers, Rabbi Reuven Firestone, PhD, Professor R Scott Appleby, PhD & Professor Mohamed Fathi Osman, PhD, asked to highlight the resources within their respective traditions for the work of justice & reconciliation. They were also asked to explain whether their tradition has supported violence in any way.
The Preface was by Professor Leonard Swidler, PhD & the Editor/Introduction by Fr James L Heft, SM, PhD. This conference & book are part of the University of Notre Dame Abrahamic Series. The book was published by Fordham University Press.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Religious scholars of Christianity, Islam and Judaism present essays as an attempt to bridge the gap of conflict and misunderstanding amoung these religious traditions in an attempt to offer a vechile for peace and reconciliation for these religious communities. I enjoyd this book.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good essays! Especially impressed by Taylor (of course) and Firestone.