Description
Book SynopsisThough much has been written about particular forms of violence related to religion, such as sacrificial rites and militant martyrdom, there have been few efforts to survey the phenomena in all of the world''s major religious traditions, historically and in the present, viewing the subject in personal as well as social dimensions, and covering both literary themes and political conflicts. This compact collection of essays provides such an overview. Each of the essays explores the ways in which violence is justified within the literary and theological foundation of the tradition, how it is used symbolically and in ritual practice, and how social acts of vengeance and warfare have been justified by religious ideas.The nature of the connection between violence and faith has always been a topic of heated debate, especially as acts of violence performed in the name of religion have erupted onto the global stage. Some scholars argue that these acts of violence are not really religious at all
Trade ReviewThe nine essays of this volume give a thought-provoking overview on this topic... They engage the topics in a way that is accessible, inspirational, and challenging to people familiar with the religions, as well as those beginning to learn about religions. * Fortunatus Mugisha, Religious Studies Review *
Violence in the World's Religious Traditions is sure to provoke thoughtful response and get readers asking the right questions...anyone interested in the subject of religion and violence will find much to think about before drawing hasty conclusions on this highly-charged topic. * Jamin Hübner, Reading Religion *
As an introduction to the study of religion and violence, this volume provides a valuable overview of a timeless, yet all-too-timely, subject. * Andrew R. Murphy, Sociology of Religion *
All of the essays are thought-provoking as they address texts and scriptural traditions, symbols and metaphors, and manifestations of actual violence... There is food for thought in these readings for scholars already familiar with the broad strokes of theories of religion and violence, as well as those knowledgeable in the world's religious traditions. * Nova Religio *
Table of ContentsIntroduction "The Enduring Relationship of Religion and Violence" Mark Juergensmeyer, Margo Kitts and Michael Jerryson 1. Hinduism "Violence and Nonviolence at the Heart of Hindu Ethics" Veena Das 2. Buddhism "Buddhist Traditions and Violence" Michael Jerryson 3. Sikhism "Sikhs and Violence" Cynthia Keppley Mahmood 4. Judaism "Religion and Violence in the Jewish Tradition" Ron Hassner and Gideon Aran 5. Christianity "Religion and Violence in Christianity" Lloyd Steffen 6. Islam "Muslim Engagement with Injustice and Violence" Bruce Lawrence 7. Africa "African Traditional Religion and Violence" Nathalie Wlodarczyk 8. Pacific Islands "Religion and Violence in Pacific Island Societies" Andrew Strathern and Pamela J. Stewart 9. China "Mutual Tolerance, State Persecution, and Martial Divinities in Chinese Religion" Meir Shahar Authors Index
