World religions and norms of war

By Gregory M. Reichberg

Book Description

Throughout history, humanity's greatest spiritual traditions have grappled with one of our most challenging moral questions: when is conflict justified, and how should it be conducted? This comprehensive exploration reveals how the world's major religions have shaped our understanding of warfare's ethical boundaries across more than two thousand years.

Drawing from deep historical analysis, this scholarly work examines the complex relationship between faith and statecraft, showing how religious teachings continue to influence political decisions in our modern world. The author guides readers through the war-related teachings and principles found within Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Japanese religious traditions, Judaism, and the three major branches of Christianity—Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant. The examination extends to both Shia and Sunni Islamic perspectives, creating a truly global survey of religious thought on conflict.

Rather than treating each tradition in isolation, this volume weaves together cross-religious perspectives, revealing both the unique approaches and surprising commonalities among different faiths. For readers seeking to understand how spiritual wisdom addresses humanity's most difficult moral challenges, this work offers valuable insights into the ongoing dialogue between religious conviction and ethical conduct in times of conflict.

The book serves as an essential resource for anyone exploring how ancient wisdom traditions continue to shape contemporary discussions about justice, morality, and human responsibility.