Religions and Nonviolence: The Rise of Effective Advocacy for Peace: The Rise of Effective Advocacy for Peace

by Rachel M. MacNair

Overview

Covering all the major—and some of the larger minor—religions of the world, Religions and Nonviolence: The Rise of Effective Advocacy for Peace examines the rich history of how human thinking on nonviolence has developed and what each religion offers to the theory and practice of nonviolence, providing a counterpoint to the perspective that religion has largely inspired violence and intolerance. It also traces the contributions of religious traditions to secular nonviolent practices, recognizes and explains why religion has historically inspired violence, and provides additional resources for investigating the crossroads of religion and advocacy of nonviolence and peace.

The author addresses the nonviolence traditions in religions such as Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Ethical Atheism, the First Nations of North America, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Tenrikyo, and Revitalized Paganism. Ancient religions with important contributions to nonviolence—Zoroastrianism, Taoism, and Jainism—receive attention, as do Mo Tse and other Chinese philosophers as well as Pythagoras and other classical Greek thinkers. Students of religion, history of religion, sociology, or psychology will find this book key to achieving a balanced and therefore more accurate understanding of both religion and history. General readers will gain insights into the commonalities among different religions as well as each major religion's historical and current stances on issues of violence, such as human or animal sacrifice, slavery, war, and the death penalty.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440835391
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	07/07/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	321
File size:	587 KB

About the Author

Rachel M. MacNair, PhD, is director of the Institute for Integrated Social Analysis, research arm of the non-profit organization Consistent Life.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I Nonviolence in Religious Traditions 15

1 Judaism: Shalom 17

2 Hinduism: Ahimsa 39

3 Buddhism: Metta 62

4 Zoroastrianism: Good Conscience 81

5 Ancient Times and Religious Revolutions 94

6 Christianity: Blessed Are the Peacemakers 106

7 Islam: Salaam 128

8 First Nations of North America 151

9 The Sikhs 168

10 Bahá'ís: Unity 177

11 Revived Paganism 187

12 Tenrikyo: Joyous Life 194

13 Ethical Atheism and Humanism 206

Part II Religion in Nonviolence Traditions 215

14 Sins: Religious Critiques of Societal Injustices 217

15 Virtues: Religious Character-Building for Nonviolent Discipline 232

16 Conflict Transformation 246

17 Campaigns and Active Confrontations 255

18 Coping and Healing 272

19 Building a Nonviolent Society 282

References 297

Subject Index 307

Scripture Index 317