origins of religious violence, The
Book Description
In a world where religious differences often spark conflict, understanding the roots of faith-based violence becomes essential for anyone seeking deeper spiritual wisdom and peace. Nicholas F. Gier takes readers on a profound exploration through Asian religious history, revealing how sacred traditions that once coexisted harmoniously became sources of devastating conflict.
This illuminating study examines the transformation of Buddhism, Christianity, and other Asian faiths from peaceful coexistence to violent confrontation. Gier traces how colonial interventions disrupted centuries of interfaith harmony in India, Sri Lanka, and Burma, while also investigating the fusion of religion and state power in medieval Tibet, Bhutan, and imperial Japan. Through careful analysis, he uncovers how even Buddhism, often perceived as inherently peaceful, became entangled with nationalism and violence in modern Sri Lanka, Japan, and Burma.
The book offers a unique theoretical framework, suggesting that certain characteristics of Abrahamic religions may contribute to religious conflict, while exploring how mystical traditions can sometimes fuel dangerous political ideologies. By examining premodern harmony, modern disruption, and potential postmodern solutions, Gier provides readers with tools for understanding how spiritual communities can move beyond violence toward authentic peace.
For those committed to spiritual growth and interfaith understanding, this work offers valuable insights into how religious wisdom can be reclaimed from the forces that distort it into violence.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 295 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Social conflict
- ✓ Explore Violence, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Nationalism
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Religion and civil society
- ✓ Explore Violence
- ✓ Explore Nationalism, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Religion
