Validating violence--violating faith?
Book Description
Twelve distinguished scholars from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam come together to address one of the most challenging questions facing modern believers: how do we reconcile the presence of violence within our sacred texts with our spiritual values and faith commitments?
This thoughtful exploration acknowledges an uncomfortable reality that many religious communities prefer to avoid. Violent imagery, stories, and ideological frameworks exist within the scriptures of all three Abrahamic traditions, embedded deep within texts that also call believers to love, compassion, and peace.
Rather than dismissing or ignoring these difficult passages, the contributors engage in honest examination. They begin by carefully identifying where violence appears in their respective scriptures, documenting its various forms and contexts. This foundation of clear-eyed recognition then leads to the more complex work of interpretation and understanding.
Each scholar grapples with essential questions: What do these violent elements mean within their historical and theological contexts? How should contemporary believers approach passages that seem to contradict core spiritual principles? What guidance can faith traditions offer for navigating these tensions?
The editors synthesize these diverse perspectives, drawing connections across traditions while respecting each faith's unique approach to scriptural interpretation. Their work offers neither easy answers nor simple dismissals, but rather a framework for thoughtful believers seeking to engage authentically with the full complexity of their sacred texts.
This scholarly yet accessible dialogue provides valuable insights for anyone wrestling with questions about violence, faith, and spiritual authenticity.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 237 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Violence in the Koran
- ✓ Explore Violence, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Violence in the Qurʼan
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Violence in rabbinical literature
- ✓ Explore Judaism
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Islamic
