prophetic peace, A
Judaism, religion, and politics
By Alick Isaacs
When a combat veteran's battlefield experiences collide with his deepest spiritual convictions, the result can be either devastating doubt or profound transformation. Alick Isaacs chose the path of transformation, embarking on an extraordinary journey to reconcile the apparent contradictions between religious faith and the pursuit of peace.
Drawing from his service in the second Lebanon war, Isaacs confronts the uncomfortable tensions that arise when spiritual traditions seem to endorse conflict rather than harmony. His quest leads him through ancient Biblical prophecy and rabbinic teachings, seeking wisdom that transcends the surface-level interpretations often used to justify violence. Along the way, he engages with influential thinkers including Ludwig Wittgenstein, Jacques Derrida, Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Martin Buber, weaving their insights into a compelling framework for understanding how faith can become a foundation for peace rather than division.
This work challenges readers to examine their own assumptions about religion's role in conflict and reconciliation. Isaacs demonstrates how Jewish theology, often mischaracterized as favoring retribution, actually contains profound resources for peacemaking. His vision extends beyond theoretical discussion into practical application through an educational initiative called Talking Peace, designed to create meaningful dialogue between people holding different perspectives.
For anyone wrestling with questions about faith, conflict, and the possibility of genuine peace, this thoughtful exploration offers both intellectual rigor and spiritual hope.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Arab-Israeli conflict
- ✓ Explore War
- ✓ Explore Biography
- ✓ Explore Israel-arab border conflicts, 1949-
- ✓ Explore War, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Israel, biography
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Soldiers
Topics
Details
- Published
- 2011
- Publisher
- Indiana University Press
- ISBN-13
- 9780253356840
- ISBN-10
- 0253356849
- Pages
- 200
- Language
- EN
